Trevians run into powerful Redwings in supersectional

Nationally ranked Benet Academy volleyball (37-1) has discarded opponents with vicious efficiency all season. Unfortunately for New Trier, their playoff path led them right to the Redwings on Monday night.

Benet looked the part in the supersectional match Nov. 11, besting the Trevians 25-17, 25-15 at St. Charles North High School and punching their ticket to the state finals.

The Trevians matched the Redwings for significant portions of the first and second sets; however, Benet’s fast starts — 10-3 in Set 1 and 9-2 in Set 2 — put New Trier in insurmountable holes.

“They were doing what we were expecting and we weren’t able to execute what we had prepared,” Trevians coach Hannah Hsieh said. “I felt like we were well prepared; they were just really strong. I didn’t feel like we were served off the court, which is always a concern with a team like that.

“When we were in system, I thought we did some good things. I just think they’re a really good team.”

Facing the seven-point deficit in the opening set, New Trier closed the gap to four but could get no closer.

A similar story defined the final set. A four-point burst got the Trevians to within three at 9-6, but the Redwings turned it on and were soon back up seven before closing out New Trier.

Five Trevians — Kit Kat McGregor, Lily Long, Emma McHatten, Cali Cremascoli and Serena Bauer — finished with three kills apiece. Benet mainly kept New Trier out of rhythm with effective serving, as well as a well-orchestrated attack.

“They just hit every single shot well,” senior libero Elizabeth Hall said of Benet’s hitters. “They are so aggressive. They know how to win points and just put every ball down. I feel like it was tough to get balls up because they are just so skilled with every shot — middle of the court, corners, everything.” 

Benet finished as the IHSA Class 4A runnerup in the previous two seasons and goes into the state finals as the favorite to win its fifth state championship and first since 2019.

New Trier completes its stellar campaign with 27 wins versus 7 losses, a fourth straight regional title and second straight sectional title. The Trevians 2023 season ended with a similar loss to the Redwings.

Hsieh gave credit to her senior class, including McGregor and McHatten, who each have been varsity players for three-plus seasons, for catalyzing the special season.

“It’s a phenomenal group,” she said. “I think we had so much fun together and they did such a good job welcoming the younger girls to the team. They’re sad mostly because of the memories they had and the great memories they created being part of our … program. The tears are not just about this game, more about the entire season. That shows that they’ve given their all for this program.” 

Hall (College of the Holy Cross) is one of at least four Trevians on their way to play college volleyball next season. McGregor is off to Georgetown University, and fellow outside hitter McHatten will play for Presbyterian College. Defensive specialist Lauren Cortina, who was injured for much of New Trier’s playoff run, is headed to UCLA.

Junior middle Cremascoli, sophomore outside Bauer, and setters Abby Ha, a junior, and Sophia Farina, a sophomore, are set to lead the Trevians into the future.

McHatten believes in the next group and took time on Monday to reflect on her time with New Trier volleyball.

“New Trier is just like family to me,” she said. “It’s really sad that this is my last year. We’re just all family and I love all these girls, and playing with them is the best feeling. I’m really sad leaving, but I know our juniors will do a great job next year. I’m really proud of everyone and how everyone played tonight.”

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