On Oct 23, despite an intense effort and undeniable teamwork, the Pirates girls varsity volleyball team fell just short in a match against the Barrington Fillies.

This matchup wasn’t any regular season game, as it was the battle for the MSL Championship. The energy inside the gym was electric from the first serve, with the stands packed full of students, parents, and fans cheering on both sides.

“I was really proud of how the team responded, as we were pretty nervous at the beginning,” head coach Dan Gavin said. “We made some uncharacteristic errors, but it really shows the character of the team that they were able to pull things together.”

The Pirates fell in two sets, losing in the final set with a close score of 22-25. Senior middle blocker Delila Kessler stood out this game, blocking nearly every hit that came her way and keeping Palatine in several crucial rallies.

Kessler and her teammates Alaina Ratay, Zoe Johnson, and Brooklyn Chesak were awarded MSL “all conference” titles, recognizing their outstanding performances and contributions throughout their season.

“We were right there with one of the best teams in the area,” Gavin said. “I think what that tells me is that we’re also one of the best teams in the area.”

The team left the court with their heads held high, knowing they had proven themselves against top tier competition. Even in defeat, the girls’ performance showed just how far they’ve come this season.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we showed that we can hang with them,” Ratay said. “We’re super excited for another shot at them if we both make it to sectionals and next time, we’re coming out on top.”

The Pirates head off to regionals next, playing the Elk Grove Grenadiers this Tuesday, Oct 28.