Falknor, BG edge Boldog, Pirates

Two teams possessing strong senior leadership squared off Monday night in a Mid-Suburban League boys volleyball crossover.

Buffalo Grove defeated host Palatine 25-23, 25-22 in an entertaining match highlighted by the play of BG outside hitter Chris Falknor and Pirates setter BJ Boldog.

Falknor, who played integral part as a junior last season in BG's run to the state championship game, led the Bison with 8 kills and says he plans to move his game up to an even higher level this season.

"This is my year to step up," said Falknor. "I want to do whatever it takes on the court to help the team win, and I know my guys will follow me."

Coach Matt Aiello agrees.

"Two hours after our season ended last year (in a 2-game loss to Wheaton Warrenville South for the title), Chris told me that his (next) season starts tomorrow," Aiello said. "He's a great leader and a very unselfish player who is not worried about his own statistics, but wants to make his teammates better.

"Chris missed six early games this season with a rolled ankle, and I think that gave him a better understanding of his teammates, and a better understanding of just how much he wanted to be on the court."

Bison sophomore Chris Shanahan pitched in with 6 kills while senior setter Dan Wichmann was 63-of-63 with 22 assists.

Palatine setter Boldog paced the Pirates with 25 assists, and coach Frank Stark said the experienced senior will be counted on for more than just stellar play.

"He's got to be a teacher, a coach, whatever it takes," said Stark, who lost 10 players from last year's squad to graduation. "He knows the game so well, and he takes on a leadership role with our younger guys."

Boldog, who had an impressive year as a junior in 2008, likes what he sees from his teammates.

"The more playing time they get under their belts," said Boldog, "the better they're going to be."

Palatine junior Nat Pearson played a strong game and his ace got the Pirates (3-3) to within 24-23 in game 1.

"Nat's a phenomenal asset," said Stark. "He's having a lot of fun right now from the front and the back row."

A dump kill from Wichmann gave the Bison (9-3) the game 1 win, then the hitting of junior Nick Baronti (5 kills) helped stake BG to a 24-21 lead in Game 2.

Another kill by Pearson brought Palatine closer but an ace from Baronti sealed the win.

Palatine senior Vania Acic led the attack with 8 kills while BG libero Jod Duda had 8 digs.

"At first our serve receive was a little hesitant," said Falknor, "and we were also hesitant in hitting the ball strong - but we picked it up in the second game."

"We have high expectations this year," added Aiello, "and the guys were not happy tonight with the level of energy and enthusiasm they showed."

"What they were happy with was that we were able to walk away with a 'W', especially since it came against a good team like Palatine."