Alyson Cahill Shines in Mother McAuley’s ASICS Challenge Victory
At a young age, Alyson Cahill became a familiar face in the gym at Mother McAuley High School. Her mother, Erica, served as a junior varsity coach for the Mighty Macs. During practices and matches, Alyson and her sister, Grace, were ever-present, considering the gym their second home.
“Before I even started playing, I fell in love with the atmosphere of the sport,” Alyson recalled. “McAuley’s fan section always packed the stands. I knew that one day, I wanted to be that player out there.”
Now a junior middle hitter, Alyson has become a significant presence on the court. She played a crucial role in helping the Mighty Macs secure the championship at the 24-team ASICS Challenge in Chicago. Alyson, a Troy University recruit, contributed five kills and five blocks, leading the Mighty Macs to victory over Assumption of Kentucky with scores of 25-23 and 25-17 in the finals.
Keira McQuillan, a recruit for UConn, added 10 kills, earning a spot on the all-tournament team. McAuley, boasting a 24-3 record, captured the title for the seventh time in history and the first since 2023. Peyton Heatherly, committed to Coastal Carolina, provided 22 assists, and libero Ava Calle, bound for Youngstown State, delivered 15 digs. Earlier, Mighty Macs defeated Assumption 25-23, 25-21 in a nonconference match. However, Assumption had previously bested McAuley 26-24, 25-20 in Kentucky on September 12.
“This shows that we’re getting better,” McQuillan remarked. “Beating them twice in three days demonstrates our hard work.” Assumption entered the tournament ranked third nationally by the American Volleyball Coaches Association/USA Today, while McAuley was 15th.
Cahill, meanwhile, is diligently working to establish herself as a powerful middle hitter. McQuillan praised her, saying, “She’s among the best middles in the state for our age, and it really shows.” Mother McAuley coach Jen DeJarld echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the push for Alyson to become a higher-level blocker and a more active scorer, facilitating trust between setters and middles.
Saturday’s semifinal match also drew considerable attention from Southland girls volleyball fans. The Mighty Macs emerged victorious against archrival Marist, winning 25-20, 23-25, 25-23. In this thrilling match, Cahill recorded six blocks. With Marist leading 22-21 in the third game, she scored a critical kill and jointly blocked with McQuillan for a 23-22 lead, before McQuillan sealed the deal with a kill and an ace.
Jayce Prohaska contributed 11 kills for McAuley, while Marist’s Maggie Kurpeikis led with 13 kills, and Taylor Berg added 12. The two powerhouse teams are set to face off again soon in a GCAC Red match.
Cahill expressed her excitement about Saturday’s semifinal, particularly against Marist, calling them one of their biggest competitors. “Every game is big for us, but that one has a different feeling and brings so much excitement because we know these girls so well,” she said.
Last season, Alyson and her sister Grace were varsity teammates at McAuley. Grace is now a freshman setter at NCAA Division II Spring Hill in Alabama. Alyson plans to attend Troy in two years.
“They watched me all season long when I played club,” Alyson shared about Troy’s interest. “I like the coaches because they are good, genuine people. I went to their camp in the summer, and it had a good vibe. I think it’s what’s best for me.”
This article was reported by Jeff Vorva, a freelance journalist for the Daily Southtown.