Bronson paragon of defensive excellence

DEE-fense! DEE-fense!

That's not a chant you often hear from the crowd at a volleyball match.

But it's not as if the fans don't appreciate defense. As a matter of fact, usually the biggest cheers at a game, as well as not just a couple oohs and aahs, are reserved for the unbelievable, awe-inspiring defensive dig.

A 6-foot-6, strong-as-a-bull outside hitter will rise high above the net, take a perfect set, and slam the ball down as hard as he can, looking for a explosive kill.

But when a libero can take the brunt of that hit and redirect the ball before it hits the ground, the momentum of a game can change.

That's where Buffalo Grove defensive specialist Matt Bronson comes in.

The 5-foot-11 senior, widely considered the top libero in Illinois, has a lot of moments like that.

"He is the best defensive player in the Mid-Suburban League and maybe the state," said BG coach Matt Aiello. "He reads the block and allows us to run our offense. Teams actually game plan to stay away from him."

And to think, Bronson, started out as a setter.

"When I first started playing club I was one of about four or five setters," Bronson said. "My coach suggest I try libero, and it worked out pretty well."

Bronson was on his game Friday night as usual, as the Bison defeated OPRF to move into the state semifinals.

But after the match, the BG seniors had other things on their mind.

It was prom night, and some of the loudest cheers on the match's final point came from some of the BG players' dates, who watched the game in the stifling Hoffman Estates gym while dressed to the nines in their prom dresses.

"It was worth it," said Amy Gorski. "I'm happy we won."

"It was fine," added senior Laura Datillo, "except our hair is melting."

The scene became an impromptu pre-prom ceremony after the BG seniors filed out of the locker room after changing into their tuxes for pictures and a trip to the Westin for the party.

"It's going to be a hectic weekend," said Bronson, "but we're going to come out tomorrow and play our game."

And no worries at prom if someone drops a plate during dinner, or knocks over a tray of Cokes.

Odds are, with Bronson around, they won't hit the floor.