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Boys volleyball: Schaumburg takes the next step, tops Streamwood

Not too much going on in the life of Schaumburg setter Nathan Thomas on Monday.

Just participating in commencement rehearsals, attending his senior brunch, preparing for and playing in a regional boys volleyball quarterfinal, and oh yes, graduating.

Thomas was one of a group of Schaumburg seniors who, after a match against Streamwood, had to rush off to the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates to attend graduation ceremonies.

But first, the Saxons took care of business on the court.

Schaumburg scored a 25-12, 25-13 win over the Sabres, and Thomas said that he and his teammates were able to focus on the game despite all the distractions.

"Just a lot of mental preparation today," said Thomas. "We've been practicing and prepping even before the season started to prepare for this moment, for the regionals and sectionals and hopefully going on to state.

"Mentally and physically, we went into this game ready to play our hardest and play our hearts out."

Grant Behrens was another of the seniors who contributed to the Saxons' victory.

"Pretty exciting day," said Behrens. "It felt really good taking care of business fast tonight, so now we can go graduate."

Thomas was on service to begin the match, leading the Saxons out of the gate with a pair of aces, and it was 8-0 before Streamwood could get a sideout.

The Sabres were able to rally and got as close as 7-13 after a kill from outside hitter Joseph Huizar.

"I've always said that chemistry has to be there from day one," said Streamwood coach Sheryl Hettinger, whose team got a terrific defense performance from libero Abraham Martinez. "A lot of guys who played great defense tonight are sophomores and juniors, so lucky for us they'll be back next year."

Schaumburg got the first set win when junior outside hitter Ryan Regier served an ace for game point.

Streamwood took an early lead in the second set behind the hitting of sophomore Roberto Sanchez, but the Saxons gradually pulled away thanks to a strong defensive effort from libero Brian Kirschbaum (another senior) and the attack of Regier.

A kill from Thomas and a Sabres hitting error closed out the match.

"Great for the seniors," said Schaumburg coach Eric Melton. "(Being focused) was definitely something we put an emphasis on. These guys are awesome - they always come out ready to go and they brought a lot of energy tonight, which is really important for us."

Martinez finished with 5 digs for Streamwood while Jack Maybrun paced the Sabres' attack by hitting 3 kills.

Regier had a match-high 10 kills for Schaumburg and added 4 digs, Kirschbaum produced 8 digs, while Thomas had a great all-around game with 12 assists, 4 kills and 3 aces.

"It was pretty hectic with everything going on today," said Thomas, "but it was a lot of fun playing the game and I loved it.

"It's crazy to think that just four years ago we were little freshmen watching the seniors play, and now we're out here playing at a high level."

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