Nov. 14--NORMAL, Ill. -- Four is quickly becoming a favorite number for St. Francis.
In the storied program's first appearance in Class 4A, the Spartans defeated Cary-Grove 25-20, 25-18 in Friday's final semifinal to move one win shy of their first four-peat. The Spartans (38-3) won the last three 3A championships before moving up to 4A because of the IHSA success factor rule.
In her 40th year at St. Francis, coach Peg Kopec, who improved her record to 1,237-229-2, is seeking her 12th state title. The Spartans already have won a large-class (AA) championship, in 2006.
"I like it, and No. 4 hit well tonight," Kopec said, referring to Alexia Byrnes' three kills. "It's a wonderful number."
St. Francis senior outside hitter Molly Haggerty paced the Spartans' attack with 11 kills with only three errors in 20 attacks. Cary-Grove, which won the 4A title in 2009 and finished second in 2010 and 2011, saw its championship aspirations end in a parade of thundering kills by the Wisconsin-bound Haggerty.
With the St. Francis student section chanting, "You can't stop her," Haggerty's powerful spikes overwhelmed the Trojans (35-6). Alli Splitt led C-G with six kills and Erin Olson tallied 15 assists.
"I thought we did a valiant effort in Game 1 (on Haggerty) and limiting her offense," Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis said. "We just had a lot of unforced errors on our side."
Ranked by prepvolleyball.com as the No. 5 senior in the country, Haggerty can become the third Haggerty sister to win a state title in her senior season, joining Meghan (Benet in 2011) and Maddie (St. Francis in 2013).
"When I was a little girl I would come to state and watch my sisters play at state," Haggerty said. "Being a senior and being in the state championship has always been a dream of mine. I couldn't have done it without my teammates."
The Spartans play Glenbard West (36-5) in the 4A final on Saturday at 8:55 p.m. The schools did not play this year, but they are geographically close, and Hilltoppers coach Pete Mastandrea started his coaching career as an assistant under Kopec in 1978.
"(Glenbard West) is right down the street, about seven minutes away," Kopec said. "Pete's an old friend. We're looking forward to playing them."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Molly Haggerty, St. Francis, 11 kills, 5 digs.
Key performers: Cary-Grove -- Erin Olson, 15 assists; Alli Splitt, 6 kills. St. Francis -- Kamryn Malloy, 8 kills, 4 digs; Daniele Messa, 18 assists.
