Barrington comes back, stuns St. Viator

Somebody forgot to tell the Barrington and St. Viator boys volleyball teams, and the fans in the stands, that this was the opening game of the season.

Before a large and boisterous crowd in Arlington Heights, the Broncos and Lions staged a thrilling match that Viator coach Charlie Curtin likened to a "regional or sectional playoff atmosphere."

Unfortunately for Curtin and the Lions, they wound up on the losing end as Barrington staged a stunning late rally.

The Broncos trailed Viator 24-21 in Game 3 but stormed back to take a well earned 25-20, 23-25, 29-27 victory.

"It's good to get out of here with a win," said Barrington coach Rob Ridenour. "The kids fought back and showed a lot of heart."

"This was an excellent game," added Curtin. "There were some great hits and digs on both sides."

Barrington, winners of 4 consecutive Mid-Suburban West titles, opened a big early lead and won Game 1 on the strength of a kill by junior Eric Clement.

Then Viator outside hitter Mike Czopek (6 aces) served up 8 consecutive points in the second game as the Lions knotted up the match at a game apiece, an effort that made quite an impression on Curtin.

"They never stopped fighting, that's for sure," said Curtin of his veteran squad, a team that returns 5 starters from last year.

A block kill from Patrick Carney gave Viator the late 3-point lead in Game 3 and the Lions held match point, but Barrington came back to tie the game.

The third-game score stood at 27-27 when 2 straight perfect sets from Barrington junior Christian La Bar (19 assists) to teammate Dan Frommeyer closed out the match.

It was an impressive start for La Bar, who replaces two-time MSL West player of the year Andrew Clement, now setting at the University of San Diego.

"I was a little nervous," said La Bar, "but my teammates were backing me up. We're all great friends."

"I've got some big shoes to fill, but I've got a great team behind me."

Senior Tim Rast led Viator, hitting 23-for 28 with 10 kills, while junior Tyler Anderson serve up 3 aces and recorded 7 digs, while setter John Lopez was 43-of-48 with 15 assists.

Senior Wade Lernihan had 13 digs for Barrington while Frommeyer led the Broncos in hitting with 9 kills.

"Viator's a good team," said Frommeyer, "so this was a good way to start the season. I thought our passing tonight was good, and La Bar played an excellent game."

"This was a great match," added La Bar, "but we still have work to do."