Schaumburg bounces back, tops Hoffman Estates
Schaumburg got off to a great start in Thursday night's Mid-Suburban West boys volleyball match against visiting Hoffman Estates.
Four aces from three different players and 5 kills from your middle blocker - all in the first set - will do that for a team.
Senior middle Cameron Nolan hit 7 kills overall, and classmate Romario Rios, an outside hitter, finished with a game-high 9 as the Saxons swatted the Hawks 25-12, 25-16.
It was a big win for Schaumburg as the Saxons were able to shake off the effects of a tough 3-game nonconference loss Wednesday to perennial power Lake Park.
"Lake Park is a good team and it was a good match," said Saxons outside hitter Stephen Knitter, a four-year varsity standout. "We were a little disappointed (with the defeat) but tonight it was back to business. Our coach (Jeff O'Brien) told us just to move on to the next goal, which was tonight's game."
Hoffman junior Matt Stacy played a strong game with 3 kills, 3 aces and 11-for-11 setting.
"Our serve receive just wasn't there at the beginning of the match," said Hawks coach Dan Hutton. "We were able to rally in the middle of each game but we just committed too many errors, and Schaumburg played basically error free."
With senior libero Jacob Dietrich (2 aces) on serve, the Saxons jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in the first set and didn't look back, finishing out game one on a perfect pass by Nolan, a set from Nick Nash and spike by Rios.
Schaumburg rushed to an 8-3 lead in the second set, but Hoffman was able to stage a comeback.
The Hawks (4-4, 1-1), behind consecutive block kills from Kush Patel and Gregg Lugo and a Stacy ace, scored five straight points to knot up set 2 at 8 apiece.
"Overall we played well," said O'Brien, "but we did give up a couple of runs to Hoffman that hurt us."
Schaumburg (7-2, 2-0) took control again behind 2 kills from Rios, and after the Hawks closed the gap again, the Saxons went on an 8-point run to put the game out of reach.
A final kill from Rios closed out the match.
"We were focused tonight and played a clean match," said Knitter. "If we can keep this up we're going to have a successful season."
Knitter, Nash and Erik Kirschbaum each stroked aces for Schaumburg.
"I was proud of the way the guys played tonight," said O'Brien. "As I said, we gave up some runs but each time we were able to respond, and I think Stephen (Knitter) was on serve each time we responded. He did a great job."
"We've got a nice combination of returning starters and new players this season," added O'Brien. "They complement each other very nicely."
Prospect d. Wheeling: The Knights remained unbeaten in the MSL East after a 25-13, 25-14 victory over the Wildcats.
Grant Andler led Prospect (5-4 overall) with 8 kills, Jacob Schwister contributed 17 assists and Eryk Krzyzak had 6 kills, a team-best 2 blocks and 7-for-7 serving with an ace.
Hersey d. Buffalo Grove: The Huskies remained tied for the MSL East lead after earning a 25-19, 25-18 decision against the Bison.
Matt Torvik had a team-best 9 kills for Hersey, and Bart Migus and Matt Aguilar had 4 each. Fotis Christacos had 9 digs and Mike Fuerst had a team-high 9 blocks for the Huskies (9-1, 2-0).
Barrington d. Fremd: The Broncos earned an impressive MSL West win, topping the Vikings 25-12, 25-10.
Connor Wright had a team-best 8 kills for Barrington, while Noah Ricchetti contributed 13 assists and Indy Nenn hada team-high 9 digs.
Austin Park was 36-for-36 setting with 11 assists, and Scott Sharief and Aaron Kent both had 3 kills for Fremd.
Elk Grove d. Meadows: The Grens picked up their first MSL East win by topping the Mustangs 25-22, 26-24.
Sam Jasutis had a team-best 4 blocks for Elk Grove, while Ray Kraus contributed 8 digs and 18 assists.
Tom Srnak and Enrique Avellaneda led the attack for the Mustangs with 6 kills apiece, while Jose Cruz had 10 digs and Tommy Murphy had 9.
Palatine d. Conant: The Pirates won 25-16, 25-20 in MSL West play.
Conant's top contributors were Connor Lejman (5 kills), Patryk Openchowski (8 digs, 3 kills) and Mark Tomuta (15 digs).