Devils top Pats again, barely

The Warren boys volleyball team eliminated Stevenson from last year's state playoffs and topped the Patriots on Saturday in the finals of the Lake County Invitational.

The two teams met again Monday at Stevenson, and Warren's seniors knew this would be their last chance to score their first conference victory over the Patriots. It was far from easy, but the Blue Devils controlled play in the decisive third game for a 25-18, 20-25, 25-14 victory.

It was the 20th win of the season for Warren (20-2, 3-0).

"Stevenson has a great program and they definitely made it tough," Blue Devils coach Yun Chen said. "(Fortunately), we got a lead in the third game and we didn't let them back in. We kept pushing."

It appeared as if Stevenson (9-6, 2-1) would have the momentum entering the final game. The Patriots trailed 13-7 early in the second game and later faced a 19-16 deficit. From there, Stevenson ripped off seven consecutive points to seize control. Warren scored only one additional point the rest of the game. Senior Matt Ockrim had 3 kills during this stretch and senior setter Jason Giecek came through with two key blocks.

"I thought we had them," Giecek said. "We had the momentum, but we made errors and they took advantage. Warren has a great team."

Stevenson coach Tim Crow would like to see his team play with more confidence.

"When we get down by two points, it's like we lost the state championship," he said. "I tell our guys that it's not the end of the world when we make a mistake. Volleyball should be fun."

Stevenson junior outside hitter Brad Feiger was 15-of-15 hitting with 9 kills.

"He's our most consistent player, and he's been playing at a high level," Crow said.

Senior Harrison Kay and Feiger had 8 and 7 digs, respectively.

Seniors Ryan Schuette (8 kills) and Jeff Halvorsen (7 kills) led Warren's attack. Senior Mike McNally had a match-high 5 blocks. Senior Gordon Booker contributed 10 digs.

Schuette said the Blue Devils were disappointed with the way they let down in the second game. Warren responded by dominating the rest of the way.

"We were dead in the second game," said Schuette, who had 4 blocks. "We knew what they could do and we had to start playing at a high level."