By Xavier Sanchez
Correspondent
A busy and largely successful final seven days of April saw Chicago Christian briefly climb back to the .500 mark after a tough first month of the season.
The Knights (11-12, 4-4 Chicagoland Christian Conference) have won seven of their past 10 matches, all of which were played over a seven-day period to close April. The strong stretch included a season-long five-match winning streak and a second-place finish in the gold bracket at the Ridgewood Invitational on April 27.
Chicago Christian’s Jared Hall sends the ball across the net during a match against St. Edward on April 24 in Palos Heights. Photo by Xavier Sanchez
“We are progressing well,” said Chicago Christian athletic director Mark Zylstra. “We are making the necessary steps to compete for a conference championship and compete in the postseason.”
Christian has fought back toward a winning season after dropping eight of their first 10 matches. They aided their cause with a five-game winning streak that began with a 25-17, 25-16 victory over St. Edward on April 24.
Chicago Christian’s Ian Faber leaps high to serve during a two-set win over St. Edward on April 24. Photo by Xavier Sanchez
Sophomore libero Sam Jager had 12 digs and an ace for the Knights, and senior opposite hitter Max Lenter had a game-high six kills and three blocks in the win.
Junior setter and captain Malachi Krestel posted 20 assists and three kills.
“This is Malachi’s second year as one of our captains,” Zylastra said. “He’s progressing well and played great tonight.”
Chicago Christian’s Ryan Vanden Bosch passes the ball during a match against St. Edward. Photo by Xavier Sanchez
Christian coach Matt Morales said 6-foot-8 senior middle Ian Faber has been a major contributor for the Knights this season. Faber is second Illinois in hitting percentage and top-10 in the nation in hitting percentage at .500.
Morales, in his second year at Christian, has played a significant role in growing the program and helping it succeed, Zylstra said.
Joey Huizenga (1) high-fives Malachi Krestel as Huizenga checks into a match on April 24. Photo by Xavier Sanchez
“He eats, sleeps and breathes volleyball,” he added. “He’s always watching film, he’s always taking stats and always looking for ways to help the guys improve.”
Morales is enjoying the opportunity and is excited for what is to come for the Knights, who are in their seventh year as a program. The sport is in such demand at the school that it plans to add a freshman team in 2025. As a relatively small school, Christian does not field exclusively freshman teams in some sports.
“The (roster) numbers have been climbing pretty much every year, so that has been exciting,” Zylstra said.