Volleyball: Neuqua Valley Dominates in Clinching Game

After two very competitive back-and-forth games, the denouement to the third was a disappointment by comparison. 

The  Wildcats, after splitting the first two games 25-22, 22-25 with the Plainfield North Tigers, jumped to an early lead and sent the Tigers into a perpetual freefall, winning the deciding game 25-10. 

The Wildcats (24-5) controlled most of game one. They led 11-7 early before a Tigers (20-4) timeout pulled them back even. From then on, the Tigers kept clawing their way out of one-and-two point deficits until they made three unforced serving errors down the stretch, securing the game one win. 

Game two was game one in reverse. The Tigers, led by Jack Krieger and Jack Barber, were able to control the lead for almost the entire match. Neuqua Valley tied the game 20-20 before fundamental errors led to a late game two collapse. 

Wildcats coach Erich Mendoza said, “I told the guys before game three to show some enthusiasm because there’re guys who would kill to be out there starting.” 

Jake Gerald and Jon Storm answered the call, leading Neuqua Valley to an early 9-2 with aggressive, powerful serves and exceptional defense. The two players combined for nine kills in game three as the Wildcats led by 18-4 at one point. Plainfield North cut the deficit to 20-10, but it was far too late. Too many mental and fundamental mistakes sunk them. 

“We make mental errors, we have no chance. Doesn’t matter who you play,” Tigers coach Kevin Vesper. 

Krieger led the Tigers with seven kills and a service ace. Barber had four kills.

The Wildcats play South Elgin on the road on Tuesday. The Tigers play against Romeoville at home Tuesday.