Improving Downers Grove North edges Glenbard East

The Downers Grove North volleyball team can't wait until tomorrow, because it's getting better every day.

On Saturday the youthful Trojans - there was only one senior in the playing mix - won their own Trojan Invitational with a 25-17, 24-26, 25-18 win in the finals over Glenbard East.

"This is the most consistent we've played against a team the caliber of Glenbard East all season," said Trojans coach Mark Wasik. "We played good sideout volleyball. The players have come a long way in a short period of time."

The Trojans (15-4) took control of Game 1 early and, once they got rolling and hit double figures, they never let the Rams get within 5 points of them.

Greg Petty was the Trojans' leader in the match with 13 kills and 3 blocks.

Glenbard East hit its stride in Game 2 and jumped out to an 8-3 lead.

Downers North made it close when Mitch Pittner aced a serve to make it 11-10 Rams, and the Trojans stayed in it the rest of the way.

The Trojans tied it up 7seven times and then grabbed the lead twice down the stretch, but the Rams' Andrew Achenbaugh took over the game and put down 5 kills to even the match at one game apiece.

Achenbaugh finished with a match-high 17 kills.

In Game 3 the Trojans got their rhythm back and led throughout. The lead grew to 9 points late in the game.

Petty produced the kill for match point.

"Everything's been clicking for us lately," Petty said. "We're limiting our mistakes and trying to force the other team to make errors. Our blocking and defense, which have been inconsistent at times this year, really picked up in all three of our matches, especially in the finals. Everyone's been improving every day."

"Everyone contributed," Wasik said. "Our middles, J.P. Tulacka and Jordan Thompson, have been consistent. They lead the team in kill percentage and that's a function of their ability but also of our passing and good sets."

Wasik also praised Petty, who is regarded as one of the top players in the area.

"When Greg settles and plays within himself he's difficult to handle," Wasik said.

"He's playing with a lot more composure and poise. When he plays the way he played today, the other teams don't have much of an answer for him."

Wasik was happy with the balance of the Trojans attack as Tulacka produced 7 kills and Kurt Dolson had 6. Setter Zach Parik had 29 assists, and libero John Walgamuth, the only senior in the starting lineup, led in digs with 8.

For Glenbard East, Alex Hurlburt was second in kills with 7 and led in blocks with 5, Matt Hartigan and Nick Eagan had 4 kills apiece and Tim Shenkin finished with 4 blocks. Matt Finder led in digs with 12 and Kevin Farrell had 8.

"Downers is a good team," said Glenbard East coach Marci Maier. "They move the ball around nicely. Defensively, we started to dig more balls in the second game, but we could have blocked just a little better."

Joliet Catholic defeated Payton in three games for third place and Riverside-Brookfield topped West Chicago for fifth place.

The Trojans' Petty and Walgamuth and the Rams Achenbaugh and Hurlburt were named to the all-tournament team as were Leo Bartyzel of West Chicago and Chris Bruder of Willowbrook.