Spartans know how to finish

Glenbard West's boys volleyball team was tied with host St. Francis midway through both games on Wednesday -- 13-13, 14-14.

Unfortunately for the Hilltoppers, the games are played to 25 points, and they were outscored down the stretch by a combined 23-10 as the Spartans overcame early errors for a 25-19, 25-18 victory.

"We usually start games slowly," said St. Francis libero Jay Hayes. "If it's close, as it was tonight, we meet on the court, get into focus and play our game. Mike Segneri, our setter, was connecting with our hitters and when that happens there's no stopping them."

Coach Mike Lynch also factored Hayes' defense into the team's success, praising him for his outstanding play in the libero role.

"It's amazing what Jay Hayes does with the ball," Lynch said. "He gets so many balls up that should be kills that he demoralizes the other team. And he always delivers it perfectly to Segneri. If Jay touches the ball, Segneri doesn't have to move."

Twice everything seemed to be going well for the Hilltoppers (12-14). Then that efficient St. Francis defense-to-offense transition took over and the Spartans (24-3) closed each game easily.

"We weren't blocking," said Glenbard West coach Christine Mayer. "We were too slow on the net. They were running a quicker game. They were getting the ball in the setter's hands and Segneri is great setter."

In both games the variety of the St. Francis attack was apparent as four hitters accounted for kills in the second half of each game.

"Our game plan for today was for everyone to expect to get the ball," Lynch said.

Joey Murnane with 10 kills and Bob Vonderhaar with 9 were doing the most damage at the net, and Aaron Metzler put away 5 kills, including 2 for the final points of Game 2.

Segneri distributed 24 assists and Hayes scored 10 service points and came up with 8 digs.

Kit Ortmann was the main scoring threat for the Hilltoppers with 12 kills and 2 aces He also had 6 digs. Mike Clifford had 8 digs.

"We just started making too many errors," Mayer said. "But St. Francis is a high-quality, experienced team. They're well-coached and they have a lot of depth."

The St. Francis people believe that their experience is the key factor in their successful season.

"We have nine seniors on our team and we're confident," Hayes said. "We know what we're doing out there."

"This team is a coach's dream," Lynch said. "It's a bunch of guys who are great athletes, and who've bought into this volleyball thing. They give 100 percent every day in practice and in matches."