Schaumburg hoping for improvement after winning one invitational match

Even though the Schaumburg boys volleyball team won only one match at its invitational Saturday, that and the Saxons' overall record is not indicative of their play this year, according to senior setter Neal Goyke.

"We were playing great early, then we had a hard loss at the Glenbard East tournament (a 3-game thriller that the Saxons dropped to state-ranked Neuqua Valley)," Goyke said. "We've lost to Fremd and Barrington in conference, but I feel we should have won both of those. We took them both to 3 games."

Co-captain Goyke was 249-for-255 with 76 assists in the 5-game Saxons invitational, which was won by highly regarded Hinsdale Central.

Central avenged an earlier defeat in pool play to Downers Grove South, turning the tables to win the championship match over the Mustangs 23-25, 25-20, 27-25.

Fremd was 3-0 in pool play before dropping its semifinal match 25-23, 25-23 to the eventual champs. Addison Trail then bested the Vikings for third place.

Palatine finished the tournament with a 2-3 mark.

Host Schaumburg's victory came over St. Charles East, and senior defensive specialist Kyle Schroeder (the Saxons other captain) was able to pinpoint exactly what led to the win.

"Our passing was much better (against the Saints)," said Schroeder. "When we pass the ball well and get the ball to Neal to get to our hitters, I feel like we can play with anybody.

"We've been striving to get better in every game we play. We've just got to finish and execute, and keep our energy level up. When our energy level goes down, guys make mistakes and get frustrated."

Schroeder had 51 digs on the day and finished 47-of-49 on serve receive, and he and fellow senior Goyke should lead the way for the Saxons this year.

"I've played a lot of volleyball in the last four years," said Goyke, who has played club ball as well as varsity. "I feel that it's my role to be a leader and a teacher, and help out with the guys who might be having trouble."

Saxons senior right-side hitter Brad Dunn had 7 kills in the win over St. Charles and 30 on the day, while junior Glenn Frost was a force in the middle with 29 kills.

Schaumburg's next match comes Tuesday against Conant as the Saxons, 1-2 in conference play, try to thrust themselves back into contention in the Mid-Suburban West race.

"I think it (the West) is wide open this year," said Schroeder. "Anyone can win it."