And the MSL West champ is ... not so fast
Break out the calculators.
Or these days is it the I-Phone app?
Whatever the case, Palatine made sure the powers that be may have to go deep into mathematical tiebreakers to determine this year's Mid-Suburban League West Division boys volleyball champion.
The Pirates were overpowering in a 25-14, 25-21 victory over visiting Fremd, a win that pushed Palatine into a tie with the Vikings at the top of the West.
Both teams have 7-2 records with one match remaining, and with each team defeating the other in two games this year, the title won't be decided until Tuesday's matches are over - if then.
"We've never been so excited to play a game," said Palatine senior Colin Williams, who came up big late in Game 2. "This was an emotional match and we came out with intensity and were firing on all cylinders. You have to give Fremd credit - they didn't roll over. They fought back, but we were able to fight back just as hard."
Nat Pearson led the Pirates with 10 kills and 7 digs, while senior middle Brian Allen had 9 kills for the Vikings.
"Palatine came out and answered the bell tonight and we didn't," said Fremd coach Curt Pinley. "When they're playing at home and are playing for a purpose, there's not a tougher team to play against."
The Pirates started fast and rolled to an easy win in the first game, then grabbed a 15-10 lead in Game 2.
The Vikings were able to close within 19-18 after a kill by setter Steve Maring (55-of-55, 17 assists), but they could get no closer as two back-row attack kills from Pearson helped the Pirates close things out.
"The difference tonight was our energy level," said Pirates senior defensive specialist Adam Hebein (5 digs). "We came to play, and this was a huge stepping stone for us going into the state tournament."
But first the West champion needs to be crowned - with Fremd hosting Conant Tuesday while Palatine travels to Hoffman Estates.
If the teams remain tied after those matches, it could come down to overall game win percentage - or more if they're also tied in that category - to determine who will wear the crown.
"The good thing is, the season isn't over," said Pinley,optimistic despite the loss. "We've got to go back and rededicate ourselves to the rest of the season."
Pirates junior Justin Ginter (20 assists) and sophomore Jordan Feldman (11-for-12 from the service line) contributed to the win.
"The guys are just extremely focused right now," said Pirates coach Frank Stark. "We beat Schaumburg in three games last night, but they were very upset that they lost a game. Now we've got to go out next Tuesday and take care of business and win in two."
Buffalo Grove d. Prospect: While the identity of MSL West titlist remains in limbo, the host Buffalo Grove Bison survived a scare from Prospect to captured their third straight East Division crown.
Fallling 25-23 in Game 1, the Bison (22-5, 9-0) rallied to beat the Knights 25-18 and 26-24. The 1-2 punch of Nick Baronti (13 kills) and Chris Shanahan (12 kills) led the Bison attack. Setter Lukas Karch served up 32 assists, and Shanahan and Alex Kob each served up a pair of aces.
Rolling Meadows d. Hersey: Scott Shewmon led the way with 8 kills and Kyle Weiner added 4 more as Rolling Meadows beat host Hersey 25-20, 25-21 in the MSL East. Paul Kolesar had 6 kills and Matt Cayton 19 assists for Hersey.
Elk Grove d. Wheeling: Host Elk Grove prevailed in three games over Wheeling by scores of 25-21, 23-25, 25-15 in the MSL East as Szymon Gierut had 10 kills for the Grens (11-12, 5-4). Daniel Roberts added 9 kills, Scott Siwicki had 8 and Jeff Miceli served up 28 assists. Matt Levine had 4 kills for Wheeling.
Hoffman Estates d. Barrington: Visiting Hoffman Estates won its first MSL West match by beating Barrington 25-21, 19-25, 25-21 behind Kyle Caldwell (9 kills) and Anthony Christianson (8 kills) and 22 assists from Kaushik Andra. Matt Logue had 10 kills and 3 aces for Barrington.
St. Viator d. St. Joseph: Visiting St. Viator knocked off St. Joseph 25-9, 25-11 in the East Suburban Catholic Conference behind 9 kills and 3 aces from Richard McLoughlin and 17 assists from setter Patrick Ryan.