By Randy Whalen
Correspondent
What does it take to make a state champion?
“We had guys that I’ve been hard on for nine months,” Marist boys volleyball coach Jordan Vidovic said. “All for a five-point stretch.
“None of them ran away from the challenge.”
How big were some of those five-point stretches?
The proof is in the results, as the RedHawks are once again state champions. They toppled York, 25-21, 28-26, in the state title match on June 1 at Hoffman Estates High School.
It is the fourth state title for Marist (39-2), who was making its first state appearance since its 2019 state championship. York (37-5) was making its first appearance at state since 1999 and had never advanced to the championship game.
“I feel like we had the mentality to be on point each practice,” Marist junior outside hitter Nathen Toth said. “We have a great group of guys and I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else.”
The second set featured 20 ties and five lead changes. Sophomore outside hitter Ben Brown (7 kills, 2 digs) gave the Dukes a 22-20 lead with a kill, but the RedHawks responded with three straight points.
Four more ties followed, but York could never garner a set-point opportunity. A kill by junior setter/opposite side hitter Christian Teresi was the match-winner for Marist.
Marist boys volleyball players hoist the state championship trophy on June 1 at Hoffman Estates High School. Photo by Jeff Vorva
Teresi had a match-high nine kills along with 12 assists, two blocks and four digs,
“The entire game I was telling (senior setter/ opposite side Ethan) Kuziela to set me,” Teresi said of the final kill. “Oh, my God! I’m so happy.
“It hurt losing the past two years (in sectionals). But we just held each other accountable all season.”
Kuziela (5 kills, 13 assists, 3 digs, 2 blocks) and senior outside hitter Luke Brannigan (6 kills, assist) were also big for the RedHawks, who had seven players finish with at least 98 kills this season.
“We have one of the most balanced teams in the state,” Brannigan said. “It was just trusting each other. When we drop for each other and play for each other, we give everything for this team.”
Toth added six kills, three digs, a block and five aces. Three of the latter came late in the opening set.
“It’s just being in the zone,” Toth said of his serving. “It’s just having the mentality to not worry about making a mistake.”
The Dukes disposed of Loyola, 25-16, 25-14, in the other semifinal match and came into the final on a 22-match winning streak and with wins in 25 of its last 27 matches. Both losses were to Marist, including 25-21, 19-25, 25-22 on April 20 in the semifinals of the Brother Rice Smack Attack.
“We really had to earn it and we were ready for the moment,” said Vidovic, who won his second title as boys coach, matching the number he’s won on the girls’ side. “I’m really proud of the senior class for stepping up and going out like this.”
Marist coach Jordan Vidovic is all smiles after the RedHawks boys volleyball team won the 2024 state championship on July 1 in Hoffman Estates. Photo by Jeff Vorva