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Sports

Bison Dominate in Season Opener at Lake Zurich

Buffalo Grove boys volleyball will again be a force.

senior Chris Shanahan admits this is it for him. One more year of boys volleyball for him and then it's off to college.

But let's be honest. If the southpaw slugging hitter was five inches taller, every college volleyball program in the country would be begging for his services.

That's because he can do it all. That is slug away, block, serve tough and play strong defense.

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On opening night of BG boys volleyball on Wednesday in Lake Zurich, Shanahan blasted 10 kills, three blocks and two aces at Lake Zurich. The Bears couldn't answer back. The Bison, winners of 31 games last year, opened on a high note hammering the Bears 25-14, 25-12.

"We are committed to defense from the start,'' Shanahan said. "We have good hitters."

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Sure, he was an important player on last year's club, but it's his turn to lead this club.

"I was pretty loud last year,'' he said.

BG coach Matt Aiello noted Shanahan is even better this year.

"He's significantly better,'' Aiello said. "He's always wanted the ball but he's grasped the idea of being a leader."

Of course it wasn't Shanahan against the entire Lake Zurich club. There are some familiar faces here. For one, setter Lukas Karch has returned. In the short two-set match, this senior notched 22 assists.

"There are two or three great setters in the state,'' Aiello said. "And Lukas is one of them. He's making it very easy to run an offense."

Sam Wacker, all 6-foot-8 of him, looks strong in the middle. He's joined by another 6-8 junior named Michael Starzec. Jaimie Schnittker, all 6-foot-6 of him, has been shifted outside.

"Jaimie has worked really hard,'' Aiello said. "He's really improved."

Schnittker notched five kills on Wednesday.

Camryn Castle is back at the libero spot. He managed eight digs in this romp.

Lake Zurich never led in either set. With the Bison leading 5-4 in set one, Shanahan powered nine straight points to open up a 14-5 lead. He also ended set two with six serving points. Schnittker's kill ended the festivities.

"These are also awesome kids,'' Aiello said. "They have bought into the team thing."

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