Boys volleyball / Lake County roundup

Vernon Hills’ boys volleyball team didn’t have it easy in its regional opener Tuesday night, but the Cougars still got by Palatine 25-19, 25-20 at Antioch.

Vernon Hills (32-4) got 9 kills on 13-of-15 hitting by Garrett Kubacki, while three players — Mikey Kelly, Martin Niemczewski and Thomas Robinson — each contributed 7 kills.

Justin Opitz dished out 30 assists on 56-of-56 setting. Kubacki and Niemczewski had 3 blocks apiece.

The fourth-seeded Cougars advance to today’s regional final against No. 5 Highland Park.

“We started a little tentatively and never served aggressively, but Justin Opitz spread the ball around pretty well all night,” Vernon Hills coach Chris Curry said. “Garrett Kubacki did everything well and also was getting double- and triple-blocked. He kept finding seams and getting kills. Palatine played a very strong, aggressive match tonight.”

Deerfield d. Carmel: At Deerfield, the host Warriors won 25-18, 25-20.

Deerfield advances to today’s 7 p.m. regional against top-seeded Buffalo Grove.

Stevenson d. Wheeling: At Lake Forest, Danny Gescheidle (19-of-21 hitting) and Nik Antonijevic (23 of 24) each slammed 9 kills, Zachary Kravits had a huge all-around match, and the third-seeded Patriots won their 30th match with a 25-16, 25-22 victory.

Stevenson (30-5) plays Warren in the regional final at 7 p.m. today.

Kravits totaled 4 kills, 2 aces (11-of-11 serving), 20 assists (48-of-48 setting), 2 solo blocks, 5 assisted blocks and 7 digs.

Warren d. Lake Forest: At Lake Forest, the sixth-seeded Blue Devils earned a berth in today’s 7 p.m. regional final against Stevenson, downing the Scouts 25-17, 25-19.

Warren (23-12) received 9 kills apiece from Eduard Ciobanu and Dillon Schaefer.

Drew Crawford added 5 kills for the Blue Devils and Tyler Smith lofted 23 assists. Ciobanu also posted a team-best 9 digs, while King Gorospe (8 digs) and Eric White (2 blocks) contributed to the win, as well.