Marian Catholic and St. Laurence Volleyball Teams Face Challenges and Triumphs

Marian Catholic libero Marlie Peterson felt heartbroken when she received unfortunate news. A storm on August 11 damaged the roof and gym floor at their Chicago Heights school. This rendered the main gym unusable until December, forcing the girls’ volleyball team to play every match on the road. Peterson, feeling distressed, turned to senior Jade Craft. “Jade and I actually started crying,” Peterson said. “We were very upset. We waited so long for this season and then were told we couldn’t have any home games.”

Kennedy Hylton, a middle hitter and one of only three seniors for the Spartans, shared similar feelings. “We feed off the energy of our home fans, so it’s been hard on us,” Hylton said. “We like it when our crowd backs us up.” The tough road continues for Marian (9-10), which recently finished second in the bronze division of the Spartan Classic, concluding on Saturday at Oak Lawn.

For Peterson, Craft, and Hylton, volleyball culminating in high school is crucial; all three seniors plan to go to college for academics. Coach Julia Glomb voiced hope to use a smaller gym for an October 13 match against Joliet Catholic, allowing the trio to have a proper senior night celebration. “It would mean a lot because you look forward to it,” Peterson said of senior night. “You are part of a program for four years. You get close to the girls, and it’s a nice celebration.” Craft echoed this sentiment. “We all went through four years together,” she said. “This year, we’ve supported the underclassmen. We’re like big sisters to them.” Hylton expressed her hopes for the event as well. Even in a small gym, the senior night would be special for her. “We want to end it with a bang,” Hylton said. “We want that appreciation. We see everybody else get their senior nights and it’s our turn.” She added, “But we know our school, even under the circumstances we’re in, is trying its best to make it work.”

Marian Catholic’s Kennedy Hylton chats with teammate Aniyah Jenkins against Stagg during a match at the Spartan Classic in Oak Lawn on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)

St. Laurence experienced an impressive winning streak. After capturing its first regular-season tournament victory at the Spartan Classic in 2024, the team hasn’t stopped clinching titles. St. Laurence just secured a 29-27, 25-23 win over Providence, marking its third consecutive Spartan Classic title. Aubrey Martinez, named tournament MVP, played in all three tournaments. “We love it here,” Martinez said. “The teams are very talented and are going to make us better.”

Standing at 5-foot-9, Martinez is a senior outside hitter planning to attend Ball State as a libero. She went on the offense to help St. Laurence (17-4) win the championship. “I’m trying to figure out my shots and bang the ball as hard as I can, especially since this is my last year hitting,” Martinez said. “I might as well go out with a bang.”

St. Laurence’s Aubrey Martinez celebrates after defeating Providence in the Spartan Classic championship match in Oak Lawn on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)

The Illinois High School Association recently announced playoff assignments. In Class 4A, one of the state’s most challenging sectionals will be hosted by Argo. Marist, the two-time defending state champion, joins perennial power Mother McAuley at Argo. St. Laurence, the Spartan Classic champion, and Lyons, which recently won the Wheaton Classic by defeating Lincoln-Way East 25-18, 25-18, will also participate. This marks St. Laurence’s second year in 4A competition.

The Vikings have already faced losses this season to both Marist and Mother McAuley. Martinez commented, “Those teams have very talented girls, and I play club with most of them. We’re building to get better. We played them at the beginning of the season, and if we play again, we’ll be ready. We’re not letting it go without a fight.”

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.