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By Randy Whalen
Correspondent
After finishing state runner-up in 2023, Lyons knew it had the potential to be in position for another run at a state championship this season.
The Lions did that, advancing to the state tournament for a second straight season. But they ran into an old foe in a rematch of last year’s state title game.
The result of the three-set battle was ultimately the same, as Glenbard West handed Lyons a 25-20, 22-25, 25-15 defeat in the opening match of the state quarterfinal round at Hoffman Estates High School.
The Lions made back-to-back state finals appearances for the first time since 2002 and 2003.
“It was still a good match, we went three and gave ourselves an opportunity,” Lyons coach Brad Skendzel said. “In the third set, we just got in a rotation and got a little tense. But Glenbard West doesn’t make errors and it’s hard to shut down Willett and Maas.”
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Lyons’ Brody Lee-Caracci (4) and Tyler Chambers form a block against Glenbard West in a quarterfinal match at the IHSA boys state volleyball tournament May 31. Photo by Jeff Vorva
That’s senior middle hitter Xzavion Willett, who walloped 13 kills and had seven blocks, while Casey Maas mashed 14 kills to go with three blocks and four digs.
Lyons never had a third-set lead and never established any momentum, with the Hilltoppers taking charge early with a 13-3 blitz.
Senior Luka Kostic creamed a match-high 16 kills for Lyons (34-6). Senior outside hitter Zaccary Ruiz added nine kills, sophomore opposite side hitter Brody Lee-Caracci had eight kills, senior setter Tommy Culver added 35 assists and junior libero Vaughn Guilfoile contributed eight digs for the Lions.
Three of Lyons’ losses this season came to the Hilltoppers.
“A lot of people thought of our previous matches,” Kostic said of facing Glenbard West again. “But we just wanted to play volleyball and treat it like any other game.
“We had a great season and it was a great feeling coming back here again to Hoffman Estates.”
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Lions coach Brad Skendzel rallies the troops against Glenbard West May 31 in the state quarterfinals in Hoffman Estates. Photo by Jeff Vorva
