Fighting Saints top South Elgin in three-set regional preview

The Fighting Saints earned a strong 2-1 road win over South Elgin on Wednesday night, taking a regional preview match by set scores of 27-25, 22-25, 25-17. St. Charles East came through in a tight opening set, regrouped after dropping the second, and finished the match with a confident third-set push at South Elgin.

The opening set set the tone for a competitive night. The Saints edged the Red Storm 27-25, showing poise in the biggest points of the frame. South Elgin answered in the second set with a 25-22 win, leveling the match and forcing the deciding third set. That only sharpened the Fighting Saints, who closed the night with their strongest set, a 25-17 victory that showcased the team’s ability to respond under pressure and finish.

The Saints handled a back-and-forth battle early, stayed composed after the second-set setback, and took control late with the kind of clean, winning volleyball that will serve them well in the postseason. The result also added to an encouraging night for the program, with both the JV and Freshmen B teams also picking up victories.

Wednesday’s match carried extra meaning because it served as a preview of the upcoming regional quarterfinal matchup. The teams are scheduled to meet again May 22, this time on the Saints’ home floor at 6:30 p.m. That gives St. Charles East another positive result to build on, but also a fresh reminder that South Elgin can push a match deep when the margin is slim.

Before that postseason rematch arrives, the Fighting Saints still have important work ahead. St. Charles East travels to Geneva next Tuesday to close out the conference season, then hosts Bartlett on May 20 to wrap up the regular season. After Wednesday’s three-set win, the Saints carry momentum into that final stretch and know exactly what it will take when South Elgin comes back to town later this month.