West Chicago girls’ volleyball wrapped up their season at St. Charles East on Tuesday, Oct. 25. 

The season provided a path for new and returning players to improve. The team was 7-1 in conference and 15-11 overall when they played St. Charles East.

The Wildcats played two sets in the regional game: the team came behind and scored several points in the latter half but were unable to pull out a victory.

“Gia [DeConcilis] and I cried because it was the last game of volleyball that we’ll ever play. We were feeling sad and disappointed. We wanted to win,” said senior Katie McGlynn.

During the Oct. 25 game, two freshmen from JV were pulled up to Varsity for playoffs: Gracie Perry (Libero) and Taylor Frake (Outside).

Perry had numerous saves not only during the most recent game, but throughout the season. Both she and Frake play on Club Fusion volleyball teams in the off-season.

“This team has such a desire to learn and improve, and I just wish we had more time in a day to piece it all together,” said Varsity head coach Mackenzie Bell.

Going into regionals, the Wildcats were in a solid position. They were coming off a win on Oct. 20’s Senior Night versus conference rival Elgin. It was close match and the Wildcats were neck-and-neck with the Maroons until senior DeConcilis scored the last point.

The girls’ team also had strong showings against East Aurora (25-10) (25-14) on Oct. 13, and Larkin (25-7) (25-12) on Oct. 17.

The Larkin game was notable because junior Trinity Nelson had 18 serves in a row.

“During that game, I was so proud at how the team was able to keep the streak going. My job was to serve the ball in the court while the team’s job was to keep possession of the ball. Without either of those components, the eighteen serves would not have happened. Each time I went back to serve I just kept thinking ‘one more time’,” said Nelson.

And the team beat Hampshire on the latter’s Senior Night on Oct. 12 – in two sets. The win was unexpected, but the team fought hard for the victory. Hampshire has traditionally beat WCCHS in the past, but the team focused on communication and teamwork and pulled out the win.

“My biggest challenge during the season was finding the time to work on everything we needed to. Although the players might tell you otherwise, two hours just absolutely flies by. I think it is important in every practice to touch on foundational skills, because volleyball is a sport that relies heavily on basics and solid technique. However, this group of girls has so much potential that there were also several more advanced ideas that we worked to put into play,” said Bell, who signed on to coach the team for the first time this season.

Several players were named to the All-Conference team, including senior Brianna Gromos (Middle Hitter) and juniors Regan Miessler and Nelson. Half the team earned Academic All-Conference honors.

Moreover, seniors Gromos, McGlynn (Setter), Bridget Jakabcsin (Defensive Specialist), Kayla Sennese (Outside Hitter), Ella Hardy (Defensive Specialist), and DeConcilis (Middle Hitter) finished their time on the WEGO team with strong bonds. 

“We were all super close and had a good bond. Being on the volleyball team you get to be with your best friends every day, laugh, and make the best memories,” said McGlynn.

“I am very blessed to have the team that I did for my first year here. Not only did I walk into a gym with such talented athletes, but also players who wanted to help me in building the program. These girls have an insane amount of work and hustle, and they have pushed each other, and me, to grow. As I have been settling in here, they have taught me so much and always offered to help. I am very thankful for my time with them and am already looking forward to our growth next year,” said Bell.