Council Rock North boys volleyball returns to states with win over CB West (GALLERY)
WARMINSTER – Local volleyball fans wonder what the Council Rock North team can do for an encore after posting an exciting win over Central Bucks West in their District One semi-final showdown. The top-seeded Indians had to fight and scrap for every point before downing the Bucks in an exciting fifth game on May 24 at William Tennent High School.
Going into the semifinal, North knew it was facing a worthy opponent. Senior Eric Van Thuyne aptly described the Bucks’ style of play. “We had a scrimmage tournament against them early in the season but we never played them in a real game. We knew they were a really good defensive team, probably the best in the district.”
For a balanced, power-hitting squad such as Council Rock, a defensive-minded opponent can prove unnerving. Eric realized the Rock would have to remain steady. “Anyone on their team can make a play. It just frustrates you. We knew going in we had to keep our heads on our shoulders. When you’re hitting and hitting and they keep digging, it can get to you. Most teams are big. West is not tall but they are defensive-based.”
The Indians also knew the Bucks carried some explosive firepower in the presence of Dan Klapper and Ryan Alu. “Klapper and Alu were their go-to-guys. We thought if we could shut them down a bit, we could match their defense with our offense.”
The first game set went just as predicted with the two teams going back and forth before North prevailed by a 30-28 win. For Eric this was a crucial set. “Going into the first set we knew we didn’t want to go down. Playing catch-up really works against you because you have to work harder and harder. We were down in the beginning and pushed back.”
The wear showed in the second set as the Indians experienced what their coach Greg Marchetti would call their worst loss in a game all year. The Bucks dominated this set coming out on the top side of a 25-14 score. Eric blamed the loss on defensive errors “In games two and four we couldn’t play defense. Throughout the entire match their defense, however, was crazy.”
The two teams split games three and four. The Indians rallied to take the third set 25-20 only to falter in game four 25-18 setting up a fifth game shootout. Eric sensed the Indians were ready. “We train for fifth games all season. They’re the difference makers. We worked so hard for that fifth set. It’s make or break for your season.”
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Knowing the winner would be the first team to reach 15 points, left little room for error. “We wanted to go out fast and get a lead. You can’t catch up in a 15 point game. There’s too little time. You have to get going from point one.”
The set proved a see-saw affair that produced seven lead changes. “It went back and forth. It was kind of worrying. We knew if we put every ounce of our effort into the ball we could get it. We worked for every touch, every hit, every set, every serve. We always wanted to put more on it.”
The Indians ultimately prevailed 17-15 sending them into a passionate celebration. “It was a great feeling and relieving. Obviously we thought we could have played a better match in set two and four, but a win is a win. You have to take it. Going back to the district finals is a great experience.”
Not only did the win move the Indians to the district finals against Pennridge but it assured them a return trip to the PIAA state playoffs, a goal they set from day one of the season “We definitely wanted to get back in the district finals. Runner-up is great but now, we want to win it. Also, we really wanted to get back to the state tournament. Going out in the first round last year was pretty disappointing. This year, we want to push forward. We’re back in states. We want to go past the first round.”
Eric feels the Rock is ready for a long playoff run. “This year, we gelled together. We’re closer than we’ve ever been. We have such a balanced team. Everyone in the front row I can trust to hit a ball. Everyone can step up.”
Against Central Bucks West, Eric was one of the ones who rose to the occasion. He finished the night with 15 kills, 17 digs and four aces. Senior Jason Yakimiv was close behind with 14 kills, 24 digs and 4 blocked shots.
All told, the Indians have definitely taken a big step down the Keystone yellow brick road.
DISTRICT 1-AAA SEMIFINAL
Council Rock North 3, Central Bucks West 2
(May 24 at William Tennent)
Central Bucks West 28 25 20 25 15
Council Rock North 30 14 25 18 17
