St. Francis answers Naperville Central in regional title match

The St. Francis boys volleyball team has had an answer for most of the teams it's played this year, and Wednesday it was Naperville Central's turn to ask the question.

The Redhawks (19-19) jumped on the Spartans early and led through much of the first game before St. Francis caught and passed them and took both games 25-21, 25-18 to win the Waubonsie Valley regional championship.

"I think we were a little nervous at the beginning," said St. Francis libero Thomas Culligan. "We lost in the regional championship game last year and we wanted to get over that hump."

Spartans coach Mike Lynch had one word for the team's momentum-grabbing recovery, which they have executed so many times this season.

"Poise," Lynch said. "We played with poise. We didn't shut down their middles as we had planned to early in the game. But then we stepped up to the challenge. We started getting a few blocks and we made them mix it up more. We knew Naperville Central was good and that our boys would have to come to play, and we did, especially in the second game."

The Spartans (34-3) led the second game from beginning to end, sometimes by as many as 9 points, and it was their patented balance that once again carried the match.

"We have multiple hitters who can put it down," Culligan said. "That sets us apart from all other teams in the state. We have a bunch of all-stars who can all step up."

The kill statistics back up Culligan's statement as they do in almost every match.

Joe Mordell led in kills with 9, but three others had 7, Jack Mordell, Joe Pfeiffer and Dan McGuire and Steve Howe wasn't far back with 5. Setter Mark Roberts and Pfeiffer had 3 blocks apiece and Joe Mordell came up with 12 digs. Roberts set for 31 assists

"Roberts is unbelievable, the way he runs a quick and varied offense," said defensive specialist Connor Malloy. "Culligan is the best libero in the state, and our hitters can really put the ball away. We really mesh as a team. Just watching guys like Steve Howe, Joe Mordell and Dan McGuire in front of you is a lot of fun."

For Naperville Central it was a disappointing ending to a great week that saw it win two matches to advance to the regional final against the second-seeded Spartans.

"The way we played the last three matches was different than we have all season," said Naperville Central coach Bryan Johnwick. "They fought to the last point. The outcome wasn't what we wanted, but I'm proud of the way we played."

Ryan Thill led the Redhawks with 11 kills and Sarvesh Somisetty followed with 5. Zach Madsen was the dig-leader with 8 and Albert Lei had 20 assists.

"St. Francis has a great team," Johnwick said. "When they make an error, they have a tendency to bounce right back. When we make errors it's harder for us to do that. But overall we got a great team effort the last three nights with everyone contributing."