Before the season began, the volleyball team knew that entering the Upstate Eight Conference would mean an entirely new type of competition. As the regular season wrapped up the girls proved they were capable of competing with the big 4A schools. Finishing the season with an overall record of 16-19 and a conference record of 5-4 did not disappoint head coach Chad Grant, who emphasized how tough a schedule the team had to face. “We play and incredibly tough schedule, matching up with 29 4A schools, as well as 4 of the top eight teams in Class 3A.”

      This season, the team took 2nd place at the Glenbard West Tournament and 4th place in the Willowbrook Tournament. Senior Beth Kohl set the bar for the season as she was named to the All-Tournament Teams in both the Glenbard West and Willowbrook Tournaments along with fellow senior Maggie Bair who was also named to the All-Tournament team at Glenbard West.

     Throughout the year, some of the key players including Maggie Bair, Kathleen Millet and Sadie Camfield had to battle many different injuries. Thankfully for Grant the rest of the team were always ready to jump in and remain competitive. “I am excited to have everyone back now and hopefully we can go on a run in the postseason,” Grant stated.

    Looking to the postseason, the Raiders received the 6th seed in their own sectional. Traveling down the road to St. Francis for the first round of regionals on October 23, the girls defeated Illinois Math and Science Academy in two straight games, winning both 25-18. The team faced off against St. Francis Thursday, October 25, losing in the third game. The team finished the 2018 season with a record of 17-20.