According to the Riverside Brookfield athletic web site, the Bulldogs intended to visit Oak Park Friday in order to “do damage” during the highly anticipated non-conference match up.
Ultimately, RB may have been fortunate just to escape free of further injury during a disappointing 27-25, 20-25, 23-25 loss to the host Huskies.
With the Bulldogs already down a key player (Jon Baldermann-back injury), RB outside hitter Nick Isdale ran head first into the bleachers attempting to keep a ball in play during the second game of the intense match. Although the hustling Isdale quickly shook off the dive into the stands, the Huskies responded with some moxie of their own to pull out the second game 25-20 to square the match at one-all.
In the decisive third game, the Bulldogs (16-4) seized an early lead behind effective serving from libero Andrew Gehrke and great defensive plays from Isdale as well as 6-foot-4-inch middle blocker Chris Sayatovic. A mere four points from victory, RB saw a 21-13 lead evaporate as the Huskies won 12 of the final 14 points to win the game 25-23 en route to a match victory.
Along with outstanding efforts from Isdale and Sayatovic, defensive specialist/setter Joe Lencioni, middle blocker Alex Dortch, outside hitter Scott Pfieffer all turned in solid efforts for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have relied upon the stellar play of Sayatovic, Isdale and libero Joe Lencioni all season. Sayatovic possesses a high hitting percentage, a strong defensive presence in the middle, and facilitates many of the Bulldogs’ sets. Isdale, one of the team leaders, brings intensity, experience and quickness on the front row. At 6-foot, Isdale used his great leaping ability and timing to continually challenge the Huskies’ imposing front line, notably 6-4 outside hitter Ryan O’Malley.
During the opening game, the teams engaged in a see-saw battle. Trailing 23-21, Riverside Brookfield coach Laura Witteman called a timeout to rally the troops. Team captain Bill Comrie led the comeback charge with a key block and three service points to tie the score at 23. RB broke a 25-25 tie courtesy of a huge block from Sayatovic on OPRF 6-7 outside hitter Kevin Schmidt and an errant OPRF kill shot attempt to clinch the 27-25 game win.
“I think we were very fortunate to win,” OPRF coach Don August said about the match. “Riverside Brookfield is a good team. In the past, RB has not challenged us much, but they came ready to play.”
Adam Smalheiser (36 assists) and Kevin Schmidt (15 kills, 16 digs) led OPRF (6-12).
The Bulldogs will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they host St. Joseph tonight at 6 p.m.
“They are all passionate about volleyball,” Witteman said of her team during an interview earlier in the season. “They have really jelled as a team and want to make a mark in school history. We have high expectations.”
With the IHSA state playoffs less than a month away, the Bulldogs are optimistic that they can build upon their successful season.
RB has already garnered second place and third place finishes at the Plainfield North and Reavis tournaments, respectively, along with impressive match wins over teams like Morton, Nazareth and Fenton.