Fighting Saints Sweep Larkin Behind Strong Serving and Balanced Attack

St. Charles East came out firing Thursday Night, sweeping Larkin 2-0 with set victories of 25-7; 25-13 in the Fighting Saints’ home opener! The Saints established control with aggressive serving, a productive attack and steady work at the net, carrying that momentum through both sets against the Royals of Larkin.

The Saints set the tone in the opening set, using service pressure and a balanced group of hitters to build separation on the way to a decisive 25-7 win. Outside hitter Emma Phillips led the attack with ten kills while also contributing three digs. Fellow outside hitter Scarlett Dickerson delivered eight kills, giving St. Charles East another consistent option along the pin.

Larkin offered more resistance in the second set, but the Saints continued to dictate play. St. Charles East stayed composed through the longer exchanges and closed out the match with a 25-13 victory. Mackenzie Finn contributed on both sides of the net, finishing with two kills and two blocks from the opposite hitter position.

Serving was one of the brightest parts of the sweep, with six different Saints recording an ace. Tessa Schneider and Gianna Gjokaj led the charge with three aces apiece. Gianna Marziani-Radomski, Ally Bishop, and Franki Fevold each added two, while Rachel O'Sullivan recorded one. The 13 total aces along with tough serving throughout the match helped St. Charles East disrupt Larkin’s offense.

St. Charles East will hit the road next Tuesday for a non-conference matchup vs. Hinsdale Central, giving the Saints another chance to build on the energy and balance displayed in the two-set victory.