Boys volleyball: Fan support helps Lake Zurich top Rolling Meadows
Sometimes all it takes is one word. And for Lake Zurich Tuesday night it was "scoreboard."
The Bears had just lost the first set badly to visiting Rolling Meadows 25-16. Lake Zurich had just taken a 1-0 lead in the second set when someone from a large contingent of Lake Zurich student fans yelled "scoreboard."
It may have taken a moment or two to kick in for the Bears as they fell behind 5-1. But when it did, it was all Lake Zurich from there.
The Bears rallied to win the second two sets 25-22 and 25-14 to upend Rolling Meadows on senior night in Lake Zurich.
"That was one of my good friends that yelled that," said Lake Zurich senior Josh Diblik, who had seven kills and two aces in the match.
"It was huge. We have not had much energy this year and that was helpful. The student section was great. It was nice to play in front of some fans."
Lake Zurich coach Brett Stuart said his team has had issues figuring out how to go from the first set to the second set.
"Game one was a struggle for sure," Stuart said. "We have been a different team going into game two. We talked about playing for the seniors."
Rolling Meadows (9-17) appeared to be in complete command. Behind the font line hitting of 6-foot-7 Filiip Kierzkowski (15 kills), freshman Ben Boron (15 kills) and Carter Powers (8 kills), the Mustangs went on a 6-1 run in the first set for the convincing win.
They led 5-1 in the second set when Lake Zurich (6-19) made its move.
Sparked by the serving of Diblik and the left outside hitting of senior Ethan Pratt, the Bears went on a 14-3 run to lead 15-8.
"Energy carried the whole team," said Pratt, who would have six of his 9 kills in the second set.
"It is fun to have to have support. It fires you up and adds gas to the fire. Everyone has your support and your back."
Lake Zurich was able to hold off a late run by the Mustangs to win the second set 25-22.
In the final set, Lake Zurich was able to pull ahead early. Meadows stayed close as the Bears led 16-13. Lake Zurich senior Josh Grinnip was then able to serve up seven consecutive points for the Bears including a pair of aces.
After a kill by Kierzkowski for Meadows, the Bears scored the final two points for the 25-14 victory.