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Energized Larkin disposes of Elgin

The Elgin-Larkin rivalry seems to raise everyone’s energy level.

The Royals had more than enough Tuesday night in downing the crosstown Maroons, 25-20, 25-19 in Upstate Eight River boys volleyball action at Larkin.

Max Rydell and Riley Sadlon led a balanced Larkin attack with 6 kills apiece.

Keith Turner was a force for Elgin with 7 kills.

“Everyone’s energy hasn’t been as high as I would like it to be,” said Rydell. “Even I have trouble getting myself up as a floor leader.

“Today I have to give some credit to Sadlon. He gave a great pep talk when we came out and it pumped us up.”

The pumped-up Royals never trailed, taking a 5-0 lead in Game 1 and maintaining their advantage throughout. After Elgin cut it to 14-13, Larkin took advantage of an Elgin error to regain the serve and a Rydell kill made it 16-13. The Royals maintained a 2-to-6 point advantage the rest of the way.

“They were just more ready than we were,” said Elgin coach and Larkin alum Scott Stewart. “In Game 2 we got off to a rocky start, with a lot of unforced errors. They were just more focused, more energized.”

Eric Hernandez had 10 assists for Elgin (5-16, 0-2).

Game 2 was close early, but the Royals used a couple of mini-runs to pull away. They scored 4 straight, the last 3 with Rodolfo Hernandez at the service line, to open up a 15-8 lead. Another 4-point run, with Thomas Hendershott contributing a pair of service aces, made it 20-11.

The Maroons rallied to get within 21-15, but the Royals were able to put it away.

“Our energy, especially, was a factor,” said Larkin coach Henry Graack. “It’s been our biggest issue. This was a good game for us, because energy usually isn’t a problem against Elgin.”

Damian Trujillo added 4 kills and 4 digs for the Royals. Rodolfo Hernandez had 18 assists and 5 digs. Sadlon also had 5 digs for Larkin (4-16, 1-1). Hendershott led a strong blocking effort with 4.

South Elgin d. Waubonsie Valley: Nate Marotta had 20 kills and 13 digs to lead the Storm (12-6, 2-0) to a 25-18, 16-25, 25-13 Upstate Eight Valley win. Mike Vedrine had 22 digs for South Elgin and Joe Lullo added 10. Jake Dinneen had 26 assists.

John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comElgin’s Jason Michalik tips a left-handed shot past Larkin’s Rodolfo Hernandez Tuesday in Elgin.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comElgin's Keith Turner stretches for a shot against Larkin's Riley Sadlon Tuesday in Elgin.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comElgin's Kyle Paquin takes a shot against Larkin's Thomas Hendershott and Damian Trujillo Tuesday in Elgin.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comElgin's Charlie Wiltgen digs a back row shot against Larkin Tuesday in Elgin.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comLarkin's Max Rydell takes a shot against Elgin's Anuj Chokshi and Keith Turner Tuesday in Elgin.
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