Vernon Hills finds strength in numbers

Before the first match of the volleyball season, Vernon Hills head coach Chris Curry noted that his Cougars would play a number of new faces against visiting Prospect on Tuesday night.

That certainly was true as fans didn’t get to see VH stars Thomas Robinson and Martin Niemczewski until the second set. Cougars sophomore Michael Heinz led the way with 6 kills, 4 blocks and 2 aces. The Cougars, who finished third in the state a spring ago, defeated the Knights 25-20, 25-18.

Curry had nothing but praise for the new sophomores on his team. In addition to Heinz, VH handed the setting duties to sophomore Ryan Opitz. Yes, the younger brother of three-year starting setter Justin Opitz.

“At this point, Ryan has so much volleyball experience,’’ Curry said.

The sophomore Opitz backed up that comment.

“I started earlier than my brother did,’’ Opitz said. “I went to pretty much all of my brother’s games. He taught me how to be a great team player.”

With both Robinson and Niemczewski stationed on the bench to open this match, the visiting Knights streaked out early behind the powerful jump serves of setter Mark Mir.

“We had some high points and some low points,’’ said Prospect coach Mike Riedy. “Mark served the ball well and got the ball where it needed to be.”

As quickly as Prospect started, the Cougars used the serving of Chris Edwards to knot the first set at 6-6. Prospect stayed in the first set behind the serving of Kevin Atwood to surge to a 14-10 lead.

“Atwood is new to the right side,’’ Riedy said. “He played great defense and controlled the net.”

Both Robinson and Niemczewski made their debuts in the second set.

“They are two very great hitters,’’ Opitz said. “And great leaders.”

Robinson made his presence known almost immediately. The senior forced sideouts with some vicious hits.

In the meantime, the sophomore Heinz was taking care of business at the serving line. He served six straight points and even helped out with a kill as Vernon Hills raced to a 15-8 lead in set two.

“He’s very sophisticated player for his age,’’ Curry said. “He’s also a natural leader. We watched him on the freshman team last year where he treated everyone well.”

Heinz was naturally happy after this win.

“It was a good debut for our team,’’ Heinz said. “We played well as a team with only one senior on the floor.”

Heinz comes from the Adversity Club and is solely a volleyball player.

“It’s my sport,’’ he said. “It’s not as intense as some sports. It’s not a head-banging sport.”

Robinson had 4 kills in his one set. VH junior Evan Borden had 4 blocks. In addition to the 4 aces by Mir, Atwood chipped in 3 kills