After falling to Metro Suburban Conference rivals Elmwood Park and Glenbard South last week, the Ridgewood volleyball team hoped to avenge the defeats with a strong performance in the Ridgewood Invite on Sept. 17.

That is exactly what happened. The Rebels went 5-0 and won the 16-team round-robin tournament to improve their overall record to 12-5.

Against Elmwood Park and Glenbard South, the Rebels lost 25-17, 25-4 in both games.

The Rebels began the Ridgewood tournament by beating Walther Lutheran in two sets, 25-11, 25-11. In that game, Marlena Warjas had seven digs and Dani Rzwenicki had five aces and two digs to lead the Rebels.

That victory was followed by a win over St. Joseph, 25-13, 26-24. From there, the Rebels beat Gordon Tech (25-11, 25-16), Taft (24-26, 23-17, 5-9) and Woodlands Academy (25-19, 25-21).

In the Gordon Tech game, Warjas had 11 digs, Jessica Rzewnicki had 13 assists and Monica Stepkowski added five aces.

“We were both 4-0 going into the game and we took the championship,” said head coach Dave Wlodarczyk regarding the Woodlands Academy game. “It was a real nice tournament.”

“(This tournament) was a great confidence booster,” said Wlodarczyk. “The girls got caught in the emotions and the emotions of it carried them through the day.”

Wlodarczyk was pleased with his team’s overall performance, specifically his starting unit of Dani Rzwenicki, Stepkowski, Jessica Rzwenicki, Warjas, Megi Aliaj and Agnes Chmielowski.

“All of them are playing amazing together,” said Wlodarczyk. “They jelled this weekend.”

He added, “(McCormack) played out of her mind this weekend. She was all over the floor.”

Not only did the Rebels win the tournament, but in partnering with Autism Speaks, they helped raise more than $1,000 for autism.

Next up for the Rebels is a match-up with Luther North Friday followed by Timothy Christian on Saturday.

“They beat us every year but I’ll be damned if we’re going to lie down (and let them beat us),” said Wlodarczyk. “We’ll give it everything we’ve got.”

“I’m hoping to carry the momentum (from the RHS Invite) through into this game.”

Regarding Luther North, he said, “They surprise you. You tend to overlook them every year but you can’t look past them.”

If all goes to plan, the Rebels will use the momentum gained from this tournament and finish the season on a strong note.