Stevenson tops high energy battle against Libertyville

When the Stevenson and Libertyville boys volleyball teams met in the regular season, both matches were extended to three games.

In the regional final Wednesday, Stevenson simply played at another level. The Patriots were strong in every facet and rolled to a 25-16, 25-21 victory.

Stevenson, the No. 3 seed, will meet No. 2 Buffalo Grove at 7:30 p.m. Friday in a sectional semifinal. The Bison defeated Stevenson in two games in the only previous meeting.

Of course, if Stevenson (29-7) performs like it did Wednesday at home, it could be a different type of match.

"Libertyville is a tough team to match up with," Patriots coach Tim Crow said. "It boiled down to our serve-receive being nearly perfect. We were able to establish some 3 and 4-point leads and sideouts."

Stevenson senior Jay Meisner was 14 of 16 in serve-receive, and senior Brad Feiger was 17 of 20. Senior defensive specialist Max Swaback had a team-high 9 digs, while Meisner and Feiger had 7 and 5, respectively.

"Jay was money every time," Crow said.

Senior setter Brian Czosek (28 assists) always seemed to put the ball in the right place.

"He did a great job of making it easier for our hitters," Crow said.

Feiger led the way with 11 kills. Senior Kyle Buck contributed 8 kills. Senior Nick Kloepfer (4) and sophomore Zack Kravits (3) combined for 7 kills.

"We came out with so much more energy," Feiger said. "That was the key."

Libertyville's J.J. Hill, a 6-foot-6 senior, continued his breakout senior season (8 kills).

"It's a combination of him being so tall and jumping so high," Buck said. "There was one play in the middle of the net where he jumped over my hand and tipped it down."

Stevenson led 19-13 in the second game before Libertyville went on a 6-1 run. With the Patriots ahead 21-20, Feiger's serve hit the top of the net and tumbled over for an ace.

"I was trying to serve a jump-float in the deep middle," Feiger said. "I served it a little lower than I liked, and I was really nervous until it dribbled over."

Stevenson extended its lead to 23-20 when Buck blocked Hill.

"It was a combination of luck and knowing where to be," Buck said.

Hill was impressed at the way the Patriots controlled the match.

"We didn't execute as well as we normally do, but they're a great team," Hill said. "They don't have any weak spots. I hope they get downstate."