The Lyons Township High School boys volleyball team was only seven points away from claiming the Mustangs Invitational title hosted by Downers Grove South on Saturday. However, New Trier rallied for a dramatic 19-25, 25-22, 25-21 win over LTHS in the championship game.
Trailing 18-13 in game two, New Trier went on a 10-2 run and permanently seized momentum of the match. The Lions also missed middle hitter Aidan Spangler, who injured an ankle early in the opening game. Clayton Smentek hammered down eight kills and Rob Watkins finished with six kills and three blocks for the Lions. Marko Kostich dished out 22 assists and recorded five kills.
LTHS pulled out a 25-23, 25-21 victory over Downers Grove North earlier last week. Watkins (nine kills), Kyle Smuda (seven kills), Gabe Fisher (four kills) and Kostich (22 assists, two aces) fueled a balanced attack.
