Maine West Sports Roundup: April 15

Boys Volleyball: It’s not how you start, but how you finish. Last weekend, Maine West’s (5-5, 0-1 CSL North) volleyball team entered pool play at the Rolling Meadows Invitational with some confidence. But the Warriors lost back-to-back matches to Elk Grove and Riverside-Brookfield that left the Warriors on the consolation side of the bracket for Saturday’s playoffs.

Even though Maine West fell into the “other” side of the bracket, the Warriors rallied to win their remaining three matches and finish in ninth place. After taking down Waukegan in a tough three-game match, Maine West edged by Fremd, 26-24, 26-24. In their final match the Warriors easily dispatched of St. Joseph, 25-8, 25-19.

Robert Perez led the Warriors with 28 kills and had 17 service points for the tournament. Pat Livingston contributed 19 kills and seven solo blocks. Ryan Stermer (60 assists) and Andrew Lee (42 assists) took on the majority of the passing responsibilities for the Warriors.

With conference play starting this week, the Warriors faced defending CSL North champion Glenbrook North on the road Wednesday night. After the Spartans cruised in the first game, 25-6, the Warriors made changes to the lineup. Perez made two solo blocks early in the set and combined with Livingston for seven kills. But the Spartans prevailed, 25-17.

"We learned we have much work to do in our blocking game, Coach Randy Tiller said. “We need to be ready for teams with big, experienced middle hitters. We are not as experienced in that position, but we're working in the practice gym to remedy that.”

Girls Water Polo: Maine West faced off against CSL North power Glenbrook North on April 12 and while the Warriors ultimately lost 16-6, coach Brett Unruh felt that his team played some of its best ball.

“The girls played great defense and were the most effective at setting the hole and running the offense that we have seen this year,” Coach Brett Unruh said. “Once the girls settled in the half court, defense was stifling.”

Unfortunately most of Glenbrook North’s offense came in transition and on fast breaks.

Rachel Pond scored three goals and Amy Nakano netted two for Maine West. Tara Woodford blocked 16 shots in net.

Softball: It’s been two year since Maine West last captured a conference championship. But this year’s team seems to be on the cusp of regaining some of that swagger. After getting into the meat of their CSL schedule, the Warriors are 1-2 in their last three games, but lost two one-run games.

The Warriors’ offense was stifled by New Trier in a 1-0 loss on April 7. Maine West lost a heartbreaker to Niles North, 4-3 in 10 innings, but is looking to get them at home next time. They rebounded for a 6-1 win against Deerfield to even their CSL North record at 1-1.

Baseball: Maine West’s baseball team split their two games this week. The Warriors got a 4-3 victory against Conant on April 11, but were blown out, 10-3, by Niles West the following day.

SCOREBOARD WATCHING:

Badminton:

Maine West 14, Evanston 4 on April 12

Maine South 11, Maine West 7 on April 13

Boys Tennis:

Maine West finished in 8th place at the Elk Grove Invitational on April 9

Girls soccer:

Niles West 1, Maine West 1 on April 7

No. 8 New Trier 1, Maine West 0 on April 12