BG takes its time, ousts Stevenson
The Buffalo Grove boys volleyball team had just watched Stevenson score 4 consecutive points in the second game of Friday's sectional semifinal at Highland Park.
The Bison had won the first game, and coach Matt Aiello knew Stevenson was more than capable of making a comeback.
"I called a timeout (early), which I hate to," Aiello said.
Before he addressed the team, he loved the intense look in the eyes of the players.
"They told me we were fine," Aiello said. "I didn't have to say anything.
Buffalo Grove, the No. 2 seed, eventually opened a 4-point lead and held on from there. The Bison's 25-21, 25-22 victory over the Patriots sets up a sectional final against Glenbrook North at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Highland Park.
Glenbrook North, the No. 1 seed, defeated Deerfield on Friday 27-25, 25-21. Glenbrook North defeated Buffalo Grove when the two teams played early in the season.
Against No. 3 Stevenson (29-8), the Bison (28-5) mixed it up on the attack, especially in the second game.
"Their (back row) was playing deep," junior Nick Baronti said. "We found spots on the court where we could tip the ball over their blockers."
Baronti finished with a match-high 13 kills.
"We tried to limit his kills early, but he opened it up," Stevenson coach Tim Crow said. "Everybody has a tough time with him."
The Patriots led 12-8 at one point in the first game, but the Bison responded with an 8-1 run.
"After we put a couple of balls down we knew we had control of the match," Buffalo Grove senior libero Joe Duda said.
Baronti was the star on offense, but senior setter Dan Wichmann shared the wealth. Chris Shanahan and Chris Falknor finished with 8 and 6 kills, respectively. Duda led the way with 12 digs and Jason Dubs contributed 3 blocks.
For the Patriots, senior Brad Feiger (9 kills) and junior Travis Natftzger (6 kills) paced the attack.
Stevenson advanced to sectionals with a decisive victory over Libertyville.
"Our energy level wasn't as high as it was against Libertyville," Crow said. "We weren't serving aggressive enough and they were able to play the ball with their hands."