Crystal Lake South Setter Leads Gators to State Tournament
Peyton Ziegler recorded 30 assists as her team defeated Washington 25-12, 20-25, 25-18 to secure the first state berth since 2013.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Peyton Ziegler guided Crystal Lake South to a victory over Washington, earning the Gators a spot in the state tournament. The senior setter recorded 30 assists and two aces in a 25-12, 20-25, 25-18 win on Monday at the La Salle-Peru Supersectional. The result marks the first time the team has advanced to the state level since 2013.
Ziegler distributed the ball to an offense led by Logan Georgy and Bobbi Wire. Georgy, who committed to Cal Poly for beach volleyball, finished with a team-high 14 kills. Wire, an Indiana University-Indianapolis commit, added nine kills. The Gators built a 12-5 lead in the first set by rotating outside attackers between Georgy, Wire, and Joanna Kruzolek.
Washington responded in the second set with a 12-4 run after securing two consecutive aces. The Panthers, who finished the season with a 27-12 record, took that set to force a third. Kruzolek finished with 10 kills and helped South close the gap before Washington secured the final point of the set to tie the match.
The third set began with a six-point run for South. The Gators maintained a lead of up to seven points throughout the frame. Ziegler noted that she trusts her hitters to make plays regardless of the quality of the pass. She stated, "Even if it’s not the best ball, I know they’re going to do something good with it."
Makayla Westermann anchored the front row defense with seven blocks, including two late in the third set. The Gators recorded seven service aces compared to three for Washington. Coach Jorie Fontana said the team focused on disrupting Washington's serve receive and slowing down their primary hitter, Carly Dawson, who also recorded 14 kills.
Georgy hit the final point of the match with a cut shot after the ball grazed the net. She said she relied on her beach volleyball training to make the shot. "When you know the other team is good, you get it in your brain that this is going to be our hardest game," Georgy said. The Gators now face Mascoutah in the state semifinals.
The semifinal match is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday at the CEFCU Arena in Normal. The winner will play either Nazareth or Geneva for the championship on Saturday. South aims to reach the finals for the first time since 1995.
