Vernon Hills believes
Vernon Hills slugger Thomas Robinson admitted it. The outside hitter certainly had heard crosstown rival Libertyville had improved over the course of the season.
But did he really believe it?
After all, his Cougars had flattened the Wildcats in two previous meetings.
He learned quickly on Tuesday night that it was true the Wildcats had really improved. That's because Robinson and the Cougars dropped Game 1, 25-19
Vernon Hills (35-4) will take its first volleyball team to the IHSA state tournament on Friday (2 p.m.). The Cougars rallied to beat the Wildcats 19-25, 25-18, 25-18 to win the Warren sectional.
The Cougars will play Edwardsville in a quarterfinal matchup at Hoffman Estates High School.
“They gave us a little scare,” Robinson said of Libertyville's Wildcats. “We had beaten pretty good earlier this year. But we started to execute and play to the best of our abilities.”
The new-look Wildcats had knocked off favorites Barrington and Stevenson to reach the title match. And with the blocking of Bryan Bonamarte and hitting of Matt Tassler, the Cats pulled ahead early and never let up in the opener. Stefan Vidovich's block kill ended Game 1.
“This was nothing unexpected,” said VH coach Chris Curry. “These were the same kids but not the same team we had beaten. Our kids came out a little scared and looked uncertain.”
When Game 2 began, the Wildcats (24-16) opened a quick 5-3 lead. However, with David Swanson serving, the Cougars took the lead for good.
Martin Niemczewski had a key block during that service. With Niemczewski serving, the Cougars put this game away. Robinson (12 kills) had three of those kills. Joseph Ho also put the ball away.
“Our kids finally got loose,” Curry said. “They were able to see the block better.”
The decisive Game 3 was the closest of the bunch. This game was tied at 8-8. It was still close at 20-18 before setter Justin Opitz (39 assists) went to serve.
While Vernon Hills will head to state, Libertyville will have the memories of an excellent finish. Retiring head coach Steve Rochon knows the next coach will get some good players.
“The next coach will get a tremendous group of guys,” Rochon said. “They will start from Square One, but they know what it takes.”
The Cougars have had some strong teams in the past. However, a key injury would leave them short. A year ago, they fell in a sectional-final classic to Buffalo Grove.
“This was our main goal, to make it to state,” Robinson said. “We'll be the first volleyball team in school history to go to state.”
In addition to Robinson's dozen kills, the Cougars had help from Mikey Kelly (8 kills), Garrett Kubacki (6 kills, 6 digs), Niemczewski (6 kills, 3 blocks), Swanson (10 digs) and Robbie Appelbaum (7 digs).
The Wildcats had a strong night of hitting from Tassler (12 kills). Also helping the cause were Eric Handrich (7 kills), Bonamarte (4 kills, 3 blocks), Brandon Leatherwood (4 kills, 4 blocks), Scott Cooper (9 digs) and setter Teddy Kopacz (27 assists).