Stevenson's First Volleyball Action Goes to the Wire

Sometimes, it's wise to go about your business without complaining. Stevenson junior Mitch Robinson took that advice when he was cut from his seventh-grade club volleyball team.

But he didn't lose hope and instead made his Adversity club team. A year ago, he sat on the bench and watched the Stevenson varsity win 25 games. Now it's his turn to start in the middle for this spring's volleyball team.

"I practiced hard and worked into the starting lineup,'' Robinson said. "I bring speed, a quick hit and consistent blocking."

Opening night of volleyball season began on Tuesday night in Lincolnshire. Stevenson took set one from visiting New Trier before falling 20-25, 25-14, 27-25.

The third set was clearly the most exciting. New Trier appeared ready to end the match as the Trevians took a 24-21 lead. That's when the Patriots began to block. A block and kill from 6-foot-8 Niki Antonijevic and a block kill from sophomore Aaron Zalewski knotted this set up at 25-25.

"Our blocking was on and we hit our zones while serving,'' Robinson noted.

Stevenson coach Tim Crow was proud of the way his Pats hung in there at the end.

"We really blocked much better at the end,'' Crow said. "It was great to see us make that comeback."

Crow also took time to point out why Robinson has found a spot on this team.

"He's strong at the net,'' Crow said. "He's a hard worker. He also has a great attitude. He doesn't complain. He just wants to go out and play."

Neither team was on its game in the first set. However, on a Danny Gescheidle kill, Stevenson's lead was 18-14. After the first set win, the Pats would not forge a lead in either set two or three.

"It's a process,'' Crow said. "We have a few guys who are playing all-around for the first time. And we've only had five practices. We have some nice pieces. We just need to get our tempo down."

Gescheidle and Jason Fleischman led a balanced attack with 6 kills each. Antonijevic added five kills. Setter Zach Kravits notched 24 assists.

This Pats club also has the services of Stefan Boes, Aaron Appelbaum, Nick Millman, Darian Wu, Jonah May, Jason Colby, Bradley Tiller and Andrew Abrams.

The Pats open play in the Conant Tournament on Friday.