The boys volleyball team defeated Naperville Central with a set score of 2-1 on Tuesday, April 21. Prior to the match, NCHS ranked seventh in state.

Senior Phil Olszewski, who gained an impressive 21 digs on Tuesday, was happy with how his team played.

“The game was a complete success,” Olszewski said. “You could tell that both teams were really pumped for this game. From the start, it was a battle of energy and discipline. We were able to stay fired up throughout the entire first set, allowing us to limit our errors and take advantage of Central’s mistakes.”

The Huskies started off strong, winning their first game 25-22. NCHS quickly came back, winning the second game 25-16. But NNHS was able to finish the night on top, clinching the final game 25-16. Seniors Spencer Munroe and Kent Lang both had eight kills, and senior Dan Hill had 14 assists.

Hill strongly agreed with Olszweski’s sentiments, noting that his team’s momentum carried into Tuesday’s game.

“We were all hyped up for the game, and it helped coming off of four consecutive wins last week,” Hill said. “All the seniors realized how important our last home game against our rivals was, and we needed the upset. Our energy really fueled us throughout the match.”

For the second round, the Redhawks struck back with a nine-point win. Monroe was not too worried, however, thanks to some solid advice from head coach Nate Bornancin.

“[Coach Bornancin] told us to relax and just to come out with the energy we played with in the first game,” Munroe said. “He also told us to play like it was our sectional final because that is a team we would see there, and we are hoping to get there this year.”

And according to Hill, the sectional final is an attainable goal, especially considering the fact that NCHS was ranked seventh in state. NNHS listened to Bornancin and came out back on top for the third and final game, with a score of 25-16.

“Everybody stepped up and played their part,” Hill said. “We limited our errors, which has been a struggle in past games this season. It was awesome to have the Dawg Pound as well, they helped maintain energy which was a huge factor. Nothing better than to walk off the court knowing you upset the seventh team in the state, especially when that team is Central.”