Vernon Hills reigns in Lake County

Vernon Hills: Lake County champions.

That's never been the case in any sport ... until Saturday.

The Cougars' boys volleyball team made some school history by knocking off Warren 25-21, 25-23 in the championship of the county tournament, which was co-hosted by Vernon Hills and Libertyville over two days.

The Cougars (14-1) started Saturday by beating Barrington 25-11, 23-25, 25-10 in the semifinals.

"We made some nice adjustments with our blockers that allowed us to be more aggressive defensively," Vernon Hills coach Chris Curry said. "Our serving was much more effective, as well."

Senior outside hitter Mike Robinson dominated for Vernon Hills in the tournament, rolling up 42 kills on 77-of-84 hitting for an impressive .436 hitting efficiency. He also posted 10 blocks and served 33 of 34 with 3 aces.

"Mike Robinson showed this weekend why he's one of the best players in the county," Curry said. "He does everything well."

Curry also had praise for Justin Opitz (231-of-236 setting, 118 assists), saying the Cougars junior setter "fought through some struggles and set a really smart pair of matches" Saturday.

Vernon Hills senior middle hitter/outside hitter Pat Stone was a rock, totaling 39 kills and 10 blocks.

"Pat Stone really showed all weekend the ability to take over matches," Curry said.

Sophomore outside hitter Thomas Robinson added 28 kills and 9 blocks for Vernon Hills and Garrett Kubacki collected 19 kills and 25 blocks. Spencer Raak racked up a Cougars-best 47 digs.

Meanwhile, Mundelein entered the tournament undefeated, but the Mustangs fell to Highland Park 25-15, 25-15 in their third and final match Friday. They rebounded Saturday by topping Zion-Benton 18-25, 25-17, 25-20 and then defeating Lake Forest 25-12, 25-21 for fifth place.

Patrick Lentz and Mitchell Baumgartner had 37 and 35 kills, respectively, for Mundelein (13-1). Andrew Roscoe set 219 of 220 with 89 assists.

After playing what coach Wayne Schultz called "our best volleyball of the year" on Friday, Lakes concluded the tournament with a 25-18, 25-14 loss to Libertyville for 11th place.

The Eagles began Saturday by falling to Stevenson 25-17, 25-13.

"Matt Duff stepped up and played very well offensively for us," Schultz said. "Mark Molloy had a strong setting day for us. We were a little banged up (Saturday), but the bench stepped in and competed very well."