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Saints, Royals claim top spot in final poll -- From the beginning of the season, the St. Charles East girls volleyball and the Larkin boys soccer teams dominated the area, each winning an Upstate Eight Conference title.
Rockets take over top spot: Following a title-winning weekend at the Lincoln-Way Central tournament, Burlington Central (29-5) leapfrogged St. Charles East (29-4) for the top spot in this week's volleyball rankings. Any way you slice it, coming out of there with five straight victories was a nice statement for the Rockets heading into the Class 3A state tournament.
St. Charles East (4A) did nothing to hurt itself, despite suffering two losses at the Autumnfest tourney. The Saints were defeated by Naperville Central -- for the third time this season -- and Joliet Catholic. Both respectable losses, to say the least.
Separation at the top: With Larkin's 3-0 victory over No. 2 Streamwood last week, the Royals further solidified their hold on the top spot in the boys soccer rankings.
This week, Larkin (17-1, 7-1 UEC) will look to wrap up its first league title in program history. In order to get it, the Royals will have beat St. Charles North on Tuesday.
The Royals hold a slim lead in the UEC standings over Neuqua Valley (6-1-2). The Wildcats close with Bartlett and East Aurora.
Cream of the crop: St. Charles East (volleyball) and Larkin (soccer) remain atop the rankings for the third straight week. Both teams have big matches within the Upstate Eight Conference coming up this week. The Saints travel to Neuqua Valley tonight and the Royals host No. 2 Streamwood on Thursday.
Rankings shakeup: Bartlett jumped into the Top 5 this week, debuting at No. 4 in the volleyball rankings. The Hawks bumped out Huntley. Both are Class 4A schools in volleyball.
The top-3 teams remained the same, but some shakeup could occur next week after No. 2 Central and No. 3 Hampshire tangle in a BNC East match on Wednesday. St. Edward holds strong at No. 5 because of its school size (Class 2A).
On the soccer side, both No. 1 Larkin and No. 2 Streamwood suffered defeats to Neuqua Valley and stay put at the top of the rankings. No. 3 St. Charles North and No. 4 St. Charles East get together on Saturday for 80 minutes of fun.
Each Tuesday for the rest of the fall season I will rank the Top 5 area volleyball and soccer teams. As always, rankings are open for debate. So please, debate away.
The following teams are in the Courier News coverage area: Bartlett, Burlington Central, Dundee-Crown, Elgin, Elgin Academy, Genoa-Kingston, Hampshire, Huntley, Jacobs, Larkin, St. Charles East, St. Charles North, South Elgin, Streamwood, Westminster Christian.
Note: Rankings are based on performance against like-sized schools.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
1. St. Charles East (15-1): Saints only loss this season to powerful Naperville Central -- by a total of five points in 2 games.
2. Burlington Central (13-3):The countdown to the showdown with Hampshire can begin soon.
3. Hampshire (15-0): Like BC, Whips now have two DI players in their lineup (Wehrs sisters).
4. Huntley (9-5): Red Raiders don' t have big names like above teams, but they do have balance.
5. St. Edward (7-10): I'll take Katie Yohn on my team -- in any sport -- any day.
On the bench: St. Charles North (8-8), Bartlett (10-4), Dundee-Crown (6-3).
BOYS SOCCER
1. Larkin (8-0): Royals have to be the favorites to win the Upstate Eight Conference.
2. Streamwood (8-2-2): Although talent was in place, Sabres undoubtedly area's biggest surprise thus far.
3. St. Charles North (6-5-2): North Stars host Glenbard East in rare Friday night matchup.
4. Huntley (4-1-2): Red Raiders appear to be more balanced offensively this season.
5. Westminster Christian (4-4-1): Class A Warriors have plenty of talented underclassmen.
On the bench: Bartlett (4-3-2), Jacobs (3-2-3).
