Boys volleyball: Libertyville beats Hersey in straight sets
Jackson Kern led the way with 16 digs and an ace as Libertyville continued its fast start to the new season by defeating Hersey 25-22, 25-22 Wednesday in Arlington Heights.
For Kern, a senior standout who has been named to two all-state teams, it was merely a step forward in a season that holds high expectations for a Wildcats team (2-0) coming off a 31-win season last spring.
“We definitely have a lot to work on, but (I’m) super excited for the team's potential moving forward,” said Kern, a UC Irvine commit. “I think the communication and energy we've been trying to work on (got) a little bit better. And then just doing a nice job of coming together as a team and rallying back after starting off not the greatest.”
The Wildcats (2-0) took an early lead in the first set, claiming a 15-11 advantage after outside hitter Braden Moss sent a spike through the Hersey defense.
However, they were not able to pull away, as the Huskies (1-2) hung around and eventually claimed the lead for themselves at 20-19.
Hersey has been rotating through various lineups to begin the season, with coach Laura Gerber sending out her third different group in the past three days for tonight's contest.
“I was really happy with the connection that the setters and the hitters had tonight,” said Gerber, who celebrated her birthday with cupcakes after the game. “They've adjusted really well. We had some really nice, smart shots — it just takes time.”
After giving up the lead, Libertyville recovered with a five-point run to close out the first set, claiming momentum.
“That was a really good test, because we were really close the whole game,” said Hersey junior Kade Blazek. “We were using the outsides and middles a lot, and they weren't really stopping it that well until they kind of caught up.”
Hersey got off to a fast start in the second set, leading at 8-7, 9-8, and 10-9. They eventually built an 18-12 advantage before Libertyville began chipping away.
“Hersey’s a strong program year after year,” said Wildcats coach Jenny Smith. “This early-season game is always kind of a fun one to see where we're at. It's like a bar, where if we were winning? We're in good shape. If we're losing? We have things to work on.”
Libertyville clawed back and pulled even at 19-19, following a 7-1 run.
Six-foot-10 Libertyville senior Nate Knight had 2 aces, 3 blocks, 2 digs, and 1 kill to help lead the closing charge.
Gerber cited the speed of the Libertyville team as a factor. It was something the Huskies had not seen yet this season.
“They're super fast on offense,” said Gerber. “(This is) the fastest that we've seen, their middles coming faster, setters incredibly aggressive. It really makes it hard for the blockers … We are learning to pick up to this speed.”
After taking a 20-19 lead, the Wildcats pulled away for the three point win.
“Once our guys figure out how to penetrate the net, we're gonna be fine, but we're still trying to figure it out,” Gerber added.
Lukas Slesers had 1 block, 8 digs, and 5 kills for the Wildcats. Teammate Conner Desiron had 1 ace, 2 blocks, 4 digs, and 5 kills. Andrew Hodge led Libertyville with 17 assists. The Wildcats face Stevenson next Wednesday.
Hersey looks to rebound Monday at home against Conant in Mid-Suburban League play.
“I'm feeling pretty good going (against) Conant,” said Blazek. “We have kind of been figuring out our roster for the last three game, but we're getting good with that now.”