HT Spring Sports roundup for 05.15.17

In CPC boys volleyball tourney action, Rochelle-Zell won two matches in playoff round to advance to the title match this Wednesday at Cristo Rey (May 17).

The visiting Tigers opened play with a 25-23, 25-14 victory over sixth seed Hope Academy and advanced to the semifinal round versus Holy Trinity in the second match of the night (05/15).

In this round, Rochelle-Zell defeated host HT by scores of 26-28, 25-23, 25-19. RZ (8-7 overall) featured Eli Nasitir (11 kills, three blocks, two digs and seven service points); Noah Cope (i kills, 3 digs); Joey Schrayer (14 set assists, 3 digs) and Ben Hirsch (10 service points). RZ served 74 attempts, made 70 for a 95% serving average with four aces.

Holy Trinity captured game one in thrilling fashion by that 28-26 score and looked to be on their way to victory.

But then in game two the host Tigers (11-9 overall) fell behind 20-11 and looked out of sync before they nearly pulled out the victory as Kenny Munoz served eight straight to knot the game at 20-all.

Both teams then moved in and out of the lead and were tied at 23-all before Rochelle-Zell got the upper hand and the win at 25-23.

HT started game three falling behind once again at 2-7 and never really closed the gap, even though they valiantly tried and RZ won 25-19 to take the match.

To compound matters, HT had injuries to two key players -- Demetrius Reeves and Alex Munoz -- late in game three. This hampered the host Tiger offense down the line.

For HT along with Kenny Munoz' serving (overall 13 service points, three aces for the evening), Reeves finished with 11 kills and six blocks. Million Abay added 7 kills and six blocks plus 3 digs) and Jonathan Vega had 21 set assist and eight service points. HT served 69 attemtps; made 61 for an 88% average with eight aces.

The host Tigers move to the third place match this Wednesday at Cristo Rey.

HT Athletics by T. Poprawski posted at 8:38 pm.