The Bobcats are on a roll!

The Bryant and Stratton Volleyball team wrapped up the home portion of their schedule with a 3-0 "Sophomore Night" win over Kankakee Community College Wednesday night. This win came just one night after the Bobcats swept through College of Lake County.

With Wednesday night's win, the Bobcats complete the home portion of their schedule undefeated winning all five of their matches on their home court. Not only do they win all the matches, they never even drop a set going a combined 15-0 in sets at home this year.

The Bobcats (22-9) have also won seven straight matches and 15 of their last 17 dating back to September 13th. They have a region IV record of 17-3, which puts them in 2nd place in the district only behind Moraine Valley, who remains undefeated in region play.

BSC has found much of their success utilizing a system where they have two different lineups. Head Coach Heather Curley chooses which lineup they use based on the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent.

"We have 2 different lineups and a variety of plays that have worked well depending on the size and speed of the team we are facing," she said.

While the team has received major contributions from many players, Angelie Rivera has been especially forceful on the right side. She is second in the district in kills, third in hitting efficiency and fourth in kills per set.

Mackenzie Mainka joins Rivera in the top-ten in the district in Kills, Kills per set and hitting efficiency. As a team, the front line has seen major improvement as the season has gone along especially in terms of the block.

"Our middles and right sides have been working on block timing and it's showing," Curley said. "Our solo blocks have gone up since the beginning of the season."

Ashley Weimann is 6th in the district in blocks. The team has also gotten good production from Gaby Lopez.

"Gaby is undersized for an outside but has an amazing vertical and a high volleyball IQ," Curley said. "She utilizes the opposing team's defense and finds the holes to score."

The team also continues to be very fortunate to have a great 1-2 punch in their setters, Amanda Vega and Evelis Vicenty, who are both in the top-ten in the district in assists.

"Both setters, Amanda and Evelis, are distributing the ball well and making smart choices," Curley said.

Wednesday night marked the final home match for a group of sophomores who have been the cornerstones of the program helping to get it started. Lopez, Weimann, Vicenty, Hannah Roush and Hecsiris Hernandez are the five sophomores on the team who are in the home stretch of their Bryant and Stratton careers. Curley is very appreciative of their efforts in the first two seasons of the program.

"These 5 wonderful women were instrumental in laying the foundation to this program. Without them we would not have the successful program we have today."

While the regular season success is great, Curley continues to have her eye on even bigger accomplishments.

"We are working on staying disciplined, focused and determined to get into the NJCAA national tournament."