Mother McAuley Triumphs in ASICS Challenge Led by Alyson Cahill

From a young age, Alyson Cahill found herself amid the energy of Mother McAuley’s gym. Her mother, Erica, served as a junior varsity coach for the Mighty Macs. Alyson and her older sister, Grace, frequently turned practices and matches into a second home. Reflecting on those days, Alyson shared, “Before I played, I cherished the sport’s atmosphere. McAuley’s enthusiastic fans filled the stands. I always wanted to be out there playing.”

Currently, Alyson Cahill, a junior middle hitter, plays a significant role for the Mighty Macs. She was a crucial player in their recent victory at the 24-team ASICS Challenge in Chicago. Cahill, who is committed to Troy University, contributed five kills and five blocks. The Mighty Macs secured a 25-23, 25-17 win in the finals against Assumption of Kentucky, defeating them for the second time in three days.

Joining Cahill, UConn recruit Keira McQuillan, who made the all-tournament team, recorded 10 kills for McAuley (24-3). The Mighty Macs celebrated their seventh title win, the first since 2023. Peyton Heatherly of Coastal Carolina provided 22 assists, while Youngstown State-bound libero Ava Calle delivered 15 digs. Earlier matches included a 25-23, 25-21 nonconference victory over Assumption and a previous defeat of 26-24, 25-20 in Kentucky.

“This demonstrates our progress,” McQuillan stated. “Beating them twice in three days underlines our hard work.” Assumption entered ranked third nationally by the American Volleyball Coaches Association/USA Today. McAuley ranked 15th. Cahill continues to work to strengthen her presence as a middle hitter for the team. McQuillan praised Cahill, saying, “She’s one of the best middles for our age group.”

Mother McAuley coach Jen DeJarld recognizes Cahill’s potential. “We aim for Alyson to become an advanced blocker,” DeJarld said. “Our setters are growing confident in our middles, and when we utilize them properly, success follows.”

Saturday’s semifinal provided additional excitement for local volleyball enthusiasts. The Mighty Macs fought their way past their rival, Marist, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23. Marist, the two-time defending Class 4A state champion, posed a tough challenge. Cahill registered six blocks. In a crucial moment with Marist leading 22-21 in the third game, Cahill made a decisive kill and paired with McQuillan for a block to surge ahead.

McQuillan then secured the win with a kill and an ace. She concluded the match with 14 kills, while Jayce Prohaska added 11. Marist’s Michigan recruit Maggie Kurpeikis excelled with 13 kills and Western Michigan commit Taylor Berg added 12.

Mother McAuley’s players, including Chyla Jukes, Alyson Cahill, and Jayce Prohaska, proved their team strength in the ASICS Challenge finals. The two powerhouse teams will clash again on Tuesday in a GCAC Red match at McAuley. Reflecting on the intense semifinals, Cahill said, “It was exhilarating; Marist is a top competitor. Every match matters to us, but playing them is uniquely charged since we know these players well.”

Last season, Alyson and her sister Grace played together on McAuley’s varsity team. Grace now plays as a freshman setter at NCAA Division II Spring Hill in Alabama. Alyson’s future plans include attending Troy University in two years. “They supported me all through club season. The coaches are sincere and the camp atmosphere was comfortable. It feels right for me,” Alyson commented.

Reporter Jeff Vorva contributes to the Daily Southtown.