Libertyville will keep playing

The coaching careers of Steve Rochon and associate Cindy Sullivan will go on for at least one more day.

The Libertyville volleyball coaches have announced they won’t be back next year, so the Wildcats (22-15) didn’t want to say “so long” just yet on Tuesday night in Mundelein.

Libertyville never trailed in this regional opener and sent the Mustangs home for the spring with a 25-20, 25-13 victory.

“Everybody was focused and ready to go,’’ said outside hitter Eric Handrich. “This was a good match for us. Our passing was really good.”

Handrich (4 kills) got the Wildcats off to a good start with three straight kills in game one. Handrich gave credit to Libertyville setter Teddy Kopacz (16 assists).

“He was putting in spots where we could get kills,’’ he said.

Game 1 was close throughout but with southpaw Brandon Leatherwood (6 kills) notching some late kills, the Mustangs (15-16) could not get closer.

Mundelein coach George Dressen noted his club faced some adversity this season. However, he was still pleased with his team’s effort.

“We played and fought to the last point of the season,’’ Dressen said.

One major change came in this regional opener. Libero David Collins switched to outside hitter in this match and actually led all hitters with 10 kills. This from a player who notched 465 digs during the regular season.

Game 2 was all Libertyville. The threesome of Nick Christy, Bryan Bonamarte and Matt Tassler provided kills as the Wildcats raced to a quick lead. It was soon 12-6.

“This match was tied at 0-0 so nothing bad happened to us today,’’ Rochon said. “This is the team we like. We came out loose and with really good energy.’’

Rochon was pleased with the work of Tassler at the net. This senior had 4 blocks and 4 kills.

“He played a good match,’’ Rochon said. “He was very active across the net.”

Setter Kopacz closed this contest with a kill.

Also helping the Wildcats on this night were Stefan Vidovich (5 blocks) and Scott Cooper (6 digs). Mundelein was led by setter Joey Timmerman (20 assists), Jaime Jahen (5 kills), Jacob Henley (10 digs), Collins (6 digs) and David Ramer (2 blocks).

Wednesday’s regional title game matches Libertyville against Barrington. The Broncos eliminated Lake Zurich by two 25-17 scores. The Wildcats have played Barrington two times but fell in both matches.

“We’ve seen them before,’’ Rochon said. “We’ll take a look at the tape.”

Game time in Mundelein is 7 p.m. tonight.