Tyler Vasquez is a big reason that Bolingbrook is off to an 11-2 start this season. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThe hair is unmistakable. His quirky personality inimitable. His determination unyielding. His importance inescapable.Bolingbrook libero Tyler Vasquez is a big reason that the Raiders are off to an 11-2 start this season. He keeps balls alive in transition and handles serve receive nearly flawlessly. He also sets an example in the gym for his teammates to follow.“Tyler is incredibly focused,” s...
Club volleyball provides the ultimate bonding experience for father and son
Ultimate B15 Gold, coached by Lincoln-Way East boys coach Kris Fiore (far right) and which features his son, Braeden (fourth from right), is one oif the top 15s team in Illinois and is the top seed in the 15 Club division at this weekend's 2023-2024 Great Lakes Regional Championships at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park. Lincoln-Way East boys coach Kris Fiore and his son, Braeden, a freshman setter at Lincoln-Way Central. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorThere will come a time when father and son will go head-to-head.That’...
Bolingbrook has modest goals, high expectations with veteran-laden lineup
Jacqson Lesure is just one of several experienced players on the Bolingbrook roster looking to win the school's first regional championship since the program was established in 2004. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorIs this the year the Bolingbrook boys' volleyball team takes its place in the school's trophy case?The boys’ volleyball program at Bolingbrook was established in 2004. Although there have been a few highlight-worthy moments along the way -- many of them provided by former Lewis great Tyler Mitche...
How to improve hand-eye coordination to become a better volleyball player
Hand-eye coordination is a skill that can be improved through drills, practice and dedication. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) Hand-eye coordination is a crucial skill that is often overlooked. It is the ability to use our eyes to guide our hands in performing a specific task accurately and efficiently. From playing sports to everyday tasks like driving and typing, hand-eye coordination plays a significant role in our daily activities.Hand-eye coordination is a critical skill for volleyball players. It allows them to react quickly to the ball, accu...
Lake Park prepares to ‘size up’ the competition, defeats young Glenbard South
(From left) Luke Bonacci, Dylan Brinkley, Dylan Roszak and Carter Gibbons return from the 25-win Lake Park team that advanced to a regional final last spring before losing to Conant. By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorWhat do you get when you when add 6-7 and 6-9 middle hitters to a team with four returning starters from a 25-win regional finalist and pit them against another team that graduated 13 of its 14 varsity players from a year ago and has a roster featuring five juniors, four sophomores and a freshman?You get Lake Park defeating ...
Downers Grove North ‘set’-tles in, runs past Naperville Central in opener
Downers Grove North's 6-5 junior Aiden Akkawi (11) had 8 kills and an ace to pace the Trojans to a 25-13, 25-20 victory over Naperville Central in both teams' season opener Monday. On the home page is Plainfield South's 6-1 junior outside hitter Chase Kreitzer. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorNobody expects perfection the first time a team takes the court.Not even from a team burdened by the expectations that follow Downers Grove North.“Typical first game, I’ve seen it a million times … they haven’t, but I have,...
Icing on the cake: Mother McAuley beats Benet to win IHSA championship No. 17
Benet Academy junior outside hitter Audrey Asleson (7) had a team-high 17 kills in the IHSA Class 4A championship match Saturday at Redbird Arena. (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorNORMAL -- Icing on the cake. Cherry on top.“Just coming back from last year, we knew we had a target on our back,” said Mother McAuley’s 5-11 outside hitter Ellie White. “Our goal the entire season has been to get back down here. This is just icing on the cake. Cherry on top.“Nothing is given,” added the Michigan-bound senior. “As ...
St. Francis slips Lincoln for title No. 14; Knights (no, the other ones) win 2A crown
Shay McMillen digs a ball under the watchful eyes of coach Lisa Ston during St. Francis' victory over Lincoln in the IHSA Class 3A championship game, (Photo by Dave Ruggles) By Randy SharerSpecial to Illprepvb.comNORMAL – In a battle between evenly matched powers in Saturday’s IHSA Class 3A Championship match, the seesaw of momentum ultimately tipped in favor of the team that could send the volleyball back most often – St. Francis.The Spartans, ranked No. 1 by Illprepvb.com, built a 90-78 advantage in digs to edge No. 4 Lincoln, 23-25...
Scheck, Glenbard West block Metea Valley; St. Francis, Deerfield advance in Class 3A
Gabby Piazza (7) and Joliet West advanced to the championship match of the IHSA Class 4A sectional at Oswego by slipping past Lincoln-Way West, 26-24, 25-23. On the homepage is Joliet West's Ava Grevengoed (1). (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Matt Le CrenSpecial to Illprepvb.comST. CHARLES – Glenbard West middle hitter Breccan Scheck did more than just block Metea Valley’s best hitters.She broke them.Outside hitters Camille Morrison and Maddie Hopkins combined for 25 kills for third-seeded Metea Valley, but nearly all of that damage was done e...
These girls are making a difference through their work ethic and their play
Benet Academy's Ellie Stiernagle is a threat as a setter and an attacker for SPVB 16 Elite. On the homepage is one of Stiernagle's club teammates, St. Charles North's Haley Burgdorf. (Photos by Dave Ruggles) By Phil BrozynskiIllprepvb.com EditorToday, we continue our look at the players who are crushing on the court for their respective clubs:Tori Brents5-10, 8th grade, Setter/rightsideBalance 15 WhiteBrents is a homegrown Balance player who can do it all, said Balance VBC director Patty Langanis. “Tori runs a 6-2 and leads this team, e...