Latest news with #Lincoln-WayEast
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Baseball and softball scores scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County
High school and local college results and highlights from the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County coverage RESULTS HIGH SCHOOLS BASEBALL CLASS 3A REGIONAL SEMIFINAL ST. LAURENCE Tinley Park 2, Crete-Monee 0 Tinley (18-16): Austin Brazitis 6 IP, 2 H, 8 Ks. Danny Weed 2-for-3, double, run, RBI. GIRLS SOCCER CLASS 3A SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FREMD Libertyville 2, Fremd 1 GLENBARD WEST Wheaton Warrenville South 6, St. Charles North 0 JOLIET WEST Lincoln-Way East 3, Lincoln-Way Central 0 NAPERVILLE NORTH Naperville North 2, Neuqua Valley 1 Naperville North (15-5-3): Claire DeCook 2 goals. CLASS 2A SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP KANKAKEE Providence 3, St. Laurence 1 SOFTBALL CLASS 4A REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ANDREW Lincoln-Way West 2, Andrew 0 BENET Marist 10, Benet 0 (5 innings) Marist (33-2): Lexi Kyros 3-for-4, 3-run HR, 5 RBIs. Bree Hanik 2-for-4, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs. Ellie Holmstrom 3-for-3, 2 runs, RBI. BUFFALO GROVE Mundelein 6, Libertyville 0 GLENBARD NORTH St. Charles East 6, Glenbard North 4 St. Charles East (21-15): Addison Wolf 3 RBIs. GLENBROOK NORTH Stevenson 10, Palatine 0 HAMPSHIRE Hampshire 10, Harlem 2 JOLIET WEST Lincoln-Way East 9, Plainfield South 5 Lincoln-Way East (28-7): Maddie Henry 2 2-run HRs. Mia Balta 3 RBIs. Audrey Bullock 2 RBIs. LAKE ZURICH Barrington 7, Lake Zurich 2 Lake Zurich (15-19-1): Claire Kohlman RBI. LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL Lincoln-Way Central 10, Homewood-Flossmoor 0 (5 innings) Lincoln-Way Central (33-1): Lisabella Dimitrijevic CG, 2 H, 14 Ks; 2-for-2, double, HR, 3 RBIs. Mia Degliomini 3-for-3, double, triple, run, 2 RBIs. MCHENRY Huntley 4, Grant 2 NEW TRIER Loyola 6, Warren 2 OSWEGO EAST Oswego 6, Neuqua Valley 0 ROLLING MEADOWS St. Charles North 8, Glenbard West 0 St. Charles North (22-9): Paige Murray CG, H; 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBIs. Julianna Kouba 2-for-4, double, 2 runs, 2 RBIs. Ella Heimbuch 3-for-3, double, 2 runs. SHEPARD Lockport 2, Shepard 0 Lockport (28-9): Kelcie McGraw 6 IP, H, 13 Ks. Taylor Lane 2-run single. SOUTH ELGIN South Elgin 2, Lake Park 1 South Elgin (28-4): Anna Kiel CG, 8 Ks. Chloe Richards solo HR. Amber Gnutek double, RBI. YORK York 3, Reavis 0 YORKVILLE Yorkville 1, Plainfield East 0 Yorkville (24-12): Isabella Rosauer (W) 2.1 IP in relief, 0 H, 3 Ks. Ellie Fox RBI single. CLASS 3A REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS CARMEL Carmel 11, Amundsen 3 (6 innings) Carmel (19-9): Kaitlyn Konen 2-for-3, HR, 2 runs, 3 RBIs. Grace Brown 2-for-3, 2 runs, 3 RBIs. Grace King 2-for-3, triple, HR, 3 RBIs. CARY-GROVE Antioch 6, Cary-Grove 3 DE LA SALLE De La Salle 12, Hancock 0 (5 innings) De La Salle (25-10): Abby Trendle CG, 6Ks; 2-for-3, double, 2 runs, RBI. Lilah Serrano run, 2 RBIs. EVERGREEN PARK Evergreen Park 15, Payton 0 (4 innings) Evergreen (18-14): Layne Schillo CG, H, 6 Ks. Grace Fontaine 3-run HR, 5 RBIs. Addison Mrskos 2 runs, 2 RBIs. GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL Resurrection 8, Grayslake Central 6 Grayslake Central (15-15): Autumn Aliff 4-for-4, double, triple, 4 runs, RBI. Emma Andrews 2-for-4, run, RBI. LAKES Grayslake North 10, Lakes 0 (5 innings) Grayslake North (17-11): Riley O'Brien CG, H, 11 Ks; triple, 2 RBIs. Brena Dalton 3-for-3, double, 2 runs, 3 RBIs. Jane Pritchard 2-for-2, 2 runs, 3 RBIs. LEMONT Lemont 21, T.F. North 0 OAK FOREST Tinley Park 8, Oak Forest 2 ST. LAURENCE St. Laurence 15, Kennedy 0 (4 innings) St. Laurence (22-7): Viviana Chavez 2 RBIs. Aoibhe Landers 2 RBIs. WOODSTOCK NORTH Crystal Lake Central 4, Kaneland 3 Kaneland (24-13): Addison Coulter 2 solo HRs. CLASS 2A SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SENECA Beecher 1, Seneca 0 Beecher (34-2): Taylor Norkus CG, H, 10 Ks. Ava Lorenzatti HR. THURSDAY'S RESULTS HIGH SCHOOLS BASEBALL CLASS 4A REGIONAL SEMIFINALS ANDREW Andrew 10, Shepard 0 (6 innings) BATAVIA St. Charles North 10, Batavia 2 FREMD Lake Zurich 9, Warren 4 Lake Zurich (24-11): Alex Toth 3 RBIs. GRANT Dundee-Crown 4, Grant 0 Dundee-Crown (15-20): Jared Russell CG, 5 H, 11 Ks. Hayden DeMarsh RBI. Ryan Pierce run. HOFFMAN ESTATES Highland Park 3, Rolling Meadows 1 Highland Park (24-10-1): Ben Lichtenfeld CG, 2 H, ER; RBI. Luke Giese 2 runs. JOLIET WEST Joliet West 2, Richards 1 Richards (23-9): Ozzie Lopez run. Carter Gillen RBI. MCHENRY Jacobs 10, Streamwood 0 Jacobs (16-19): Ryan Tucker double, 3 RBIs. Aaden Colon 3 RBIs. NAZARETH Oak Lawn 4, Riverside-Brookfield 1 Oak Lawn (23-13): John Olejniczak CG, 7 K; 2-for-3, double, RBI. Justin Canvin 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs. Jackson Hilger 2-for-4, run. PLAINFIELD NORTH Oswego 4, Naperville North 1 Oswego (21-14): Andrew Ronen 6.2 IP, ER, 7 Ks. Dylan King HR. PROSPECT Prospect 8, Stevenson 7 (8 innings) Stevenson (16-19): Frank Costabile 2 doubles, 3 RBIs. Jordan Levine solo HR. Ryan Harris solo HR. ST. CHARLES EAST St. Charles East 3, Lake Park 2 St. Charles East (15-18): Joey Arend CG, 9 Ks. James Feigleson 2 runs. Ryan McGrew RBI. SANDBURG Homewood-Flossmoor 4, Sandburg 3 (8 innings) STAGG Stagg 9, Marist 7 (11 innings) WAUBONSIE VALLEY Waubonsie Valley 7, Naperville Central 1 Waubonsie (19-12): Owen Roberts CG, 3 H, 0 ER, 10 Ks. Danny McGuigan 3-for-4, 2 doubles, run, 4 RBIs. Nate Cerilli 3-for-3, run, RBI. WILLOWBROOK Bartlett 9, Wheaton Warrenville South 8 Bartlett (18-16-1): Vince Kamarat GW single scored Austin Daubenmire in bottom 7th. Alex Bihun 3 RBIs. Vince Yario 2-for-4, run, 2 RBIs. YORKVILLE Romeoville 6, Yorkville 1 Yorkville (16-17): Kal Antzen RBI. Aaron Klemm run. CLASS 3A REGIONAL SEMIFINALS ANTIOCH Antioch 9, Carmel 4 Antioch (23-12-1): Dylan Feldkamp grand slam. BROOKS Morgan Park 20, Chicago Vocational 1 CRYSTAL LAKE SOUTH Crystal Lake Central 5, Lakes 1 Lakes (21-14): Zach Raffone run. DEERFIELD St. Viator 3, Deerfield 2 Deerfield (15-21): Ethan Katz 2-for-3, double, run. HINSDALE SOUTH Hinsdale South 10, Bremen 0 (6 innings) KANELAND Kaneland 3, Wheaton Academy 1 Kaneland (25-10): Aidan Whitlin run, RBI. Tom Thill RBI. MORRIS LaSalle-Peru 17, Plano 2 (4 innings) Plano (11-22): Eric Nunez run. Brandon Ramos run. PAYTON Payton 11, Thornridge 0 (5 innings) PRAIRIE RIDGE Lake Forest 10, Wauconda 4 Lake Forest (17-16): Blink Hartline 2-for-5, run, 4 RBIs. Stephen Cole run, 3 RBIs. Jack Lamberti 3-for-5, 2 runs. ST. RITA Marian Catholic 10, Solorio 3 Marian (14-22): Jazarris Mackmore 4-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 3 runs, 2 RBIs. Alex Kvasnicka 2 RBIs. Matt Rusin 2 runs. WHEATON ST. FRANCIS Montini 4, Marmion 2 (8 innings) Marmion (22-13-1): Ethan Flores 2-for-3, 2-run HR. CLASS 2A SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL BEECHER Wilmington 7, Chicago Christian 2 Chicago Christian (24-11): Micah Buikema RBI. BOYS VOLLEYBALL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS BOLINGBROOK Neuqua Valley d. Bolingbrook 25-23, 22-25, 25-17 CARMEL Libertyville d. Grayslake Central 25-19, 25-15 DE LA SALLE Jones d. De La Salle 25-17, 25-12 GLENBROOK SOUTH Lake Zurich d. Glenbrook South 26-28, 25-22, 25-16 Lake Zurich (35-3): Gabe Schwartz 11 kills. Wyatt Jones 8 kills, 15 assists. Konrad Bochonko 8 kills. IMSA Wheaton North d. Marmion 25-14, 25-19 LINCOLN-WAY EAST Lincoln-Way East d. Andrew 25-20, 25-16 Lincoln-Way East (31-6): Matt Muehlnickel 9 kills, 4 digs. Joey Abbeduto 6 kills. Will Hubatch 13 assists. MANSUETO Mount Carmel d. Kenwood 25-22, 25-18 MARIST Marist d. St. Rita 25-13, 25-12 NEW TRIER New Trier d. Mundelein 25-20, 20-25, 25-19 OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST Oak Park-River Forest d. Stagg 25-12, 25-21 OSWEGO Benet d. Oswego 25-20, 25-14 REAVIS Reavis d. Brother Rice 25-15, 25-18 RICH TOWNSHIP Lincoln-Way Central d. Homewood-Flossmoor 25-21, 25-20 ROCKFORD BOYLAN Rockford Guilford d. Streamwood 25-23, 25-20 ST. CHARLES EAST Wheaton Warrenville South d. St. Charles East 25-19, 25-20 SANDBURG Sandburg d. Riverside-Brookfield 25-19, 25-20 VERNON HILLS Barrington d. Stevenson 25-22, 25-16 SOFTBALL CLASS 4A REGIONAL SEMIFINALS GLENBARD NORTH St. Charles East 13, Elk Grove 3 (5 innings) St. Charles East (20-15): Holly Smith HR, 4 RBIs. Addison Wolf 3 runs, RBI. NAPERVILLE CENTRAL West Aurora 5, Naperville Central 4 CLASS 3A REGIONAL SEMIFINALS CARMEL Carmel 24, Northtown 1 (4 innings) LAKES Lakes 1, Wauconda 0 (11 innings) Lakes (12-12): Eryn Oleson 21 Ks. Emily Ovaska GW RBI in bottom 11th.
Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Lincoln-Way East's Adelyn Thomas scores twice in 50 seconds, then completes hat trick. ‘On another level right now.'
Adelyn Thomas is confident in her soccer abilities, but she went into her freshman season this spring at Lincoln-Way East with modest expectations. Thomas figured she could be a role player and spend the year learning. But becoming a 20-plus goal scorer? That's been beyond her wildest dreams. 'I honestly didn't think I'd have this much of an impact, but at the same time, the girls are super supportive and they were very welcoming,' Thomas said. 'So, once I met all the girls, I definitely thought it'd be a great season.' The postseason has been especially memorable for Thomas. The freshman midfielder has scored eight goals in three playoff games. She produced her second consecutive hat trick Tuesday night, leading the Griffins to a 4-1 win over Lincoln-Way West in a Class 3A Joliet West Sectional semifinal. Missouri State recruit Ellie Feigl added a goal for top-seeded Lincoln-Way East (18-3-1). Hannah Tokarski and Maddie Strzechowski each picked up an assist. The Griffins will play at 5 p.m. Friday in the sectional final against second-seeded Lincoln-Way Central (16-3), a 2-0 winner over third-seeded Andrew (15-6-2). Lincoln-Way East beat the Knights 3-0 on April 10. Milwaukee recruit Kiersten White scored a goal and junior goalkeeper Cora Franczyk made 13 saves for fourth-seeded Lincoln-Way West (10-8). Thomas' three goals came in a span of just under eight minutes. She scored twice in 50 seconds before completing the hat trick in the 17th minute. Feigl, a senior forward who put the Griffins ahead 4-0 less than two minutes later, has certainly been impressed by the freshman star. 'She's obviously played an intricate role,' Feigl said of Thomas. 'She has a great shot and she's scored a lot of goals that way. We're all so happy to have her on the team. 'She's definitely fun to be around and she obviously contributes a lot. We're all very proud of her, and she's going to keep doing what she's doing.' Thomas said it's been tough playing against more experienced players, but she has adjusted well. 'The biggest challenge is playing with new people,' Thomas said. 'You have to adapt to that. Plus, I'm playing against people two or three years older than me. You have to play a different style. You can't just dribble past everyone. 'Everyone's going to be stronger and faster than you. You have to play very quickly.' Thomas showed she can do that Tuesday night. Two of her goals were unassisted and featured her carrying the ball a long way down the middle of the field, beating defenders along the way. Thomas' playoff heroics have been dazzling, according to Lincoln-Way East coach Mike Murphy. 'She's on another level right now,' Murphy said of Thomas. 'We knew coming in that she was an elite player. At first, I definitely questioned if a freshman could step up to this level, but there's no doubt she has. 'She's just a special player. I'm glad she's on my team.' Thomas, who also has 15 assists, is now tied with Feigl for the team lead with 21 goals. It's been quite a dynamic duo. 'I think we both have a goal-scoring mentality and that knack for finding the back of the net,' Feigl said. 'It's wanting to score at whatever cost it takes. We've definitely been able to play off each other. I've had assists to her. She's had assists to me. 'We didn't know each other before this season, but we've been able to quickly build a friendship and play well together.' Thomas has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old. She knew a long time ago that it was her sport. 'I feel like it's just the contact and the fact that you never stop running,' Thomas said. 'I've always enjoyed it.'
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Working out of bullpen, Owen Lense bears down as Lincoln-Way East clinches share of conference title. ‘I was ready.'
Even before the first pitch, junior right-hander Owen Lense actually knew that he would be getting into Wednesday's game for Lincoln-Way East. He just didn't know when or for how long. Lense then took control with the SouthWest Suburban Conference title on the line. 'This was supposed to be a bullpen game and everybody was going to be getting innings,' said Lense, who came in facing a two-run deficit in the second. 'I knew I was coming in. I was ready.' Was he ever. Lense scattered three hits in six scoreless innings and was involved in a pitcher's duel through five innings before the Griffins erupted for an 11-2 victory over host Sandburg in Orland Park. That performance paved the way for Lincoln-Way East (23-9, 12-4), which tied Lincoln-Way Central (17-10, 12-4) for the conference title with the Knights beating Bradley-Bourbonnais 8-2. 'I was just concentrating on going in and using both sides of the plate,' Lense said. 'I wanted to win this game. I knew it was for the conference championship and I had to do it for my team. 'It went better than I expected. I came in there and I was in the zone.' So was Evan Riiff, who had two hits and three RBIs for the Griffins. Casey Mikrut, Cooper Johnson and Tyler Hudik each added two hits and Rocco Triolo drove in a pair of runs. Hudik showed his versatility, bunting for a single in an eight-run sixth and hitting a solo homer in the seventh. Ryan Evoy came up with a single, double and triple for Sandburg (20-11, 7-9). 'That's what he does every time he goes out there,' Hudik said of Lense. 'He goes out there and shoves every single time. When he's out there, I have no doubt in my mind that we will be fine.' Lincoln-Way East coach John McCarthy felt the same way as Hudik did. 'Owen came in and threw strikes and did a really good job,' McCarthy said. 'He came up big and kept us in the game. This game could have gone sideways. Kudos to him. He was outstanding.' The Griffins snapped a five-game losing streak that produced only 14 runs with Monday's 1-0 win over Sandburg in Frankfort. They then scored just two runs in the first five innings Wednesday. So, the deluge of runs in the sixth created a sigh of relief in Lincoln-Way East's dugout. 'We have a great group of guys,' Lense said. 'When we string hits together, good things happen.' 'It was one of those innings that happens in baseball,' McCarthy said. 'Thankfully, it happened for us in time to win the game.' The Griffins believe they have enough talent to make a run at a Class 4A state championship. 'It's just about going out there and winning ball games,' Hudik said. 'The sky is the limit. I think we can go as far as the state championship if we keep playing like this.' Surviving and thriving in the SouthWest Suburban Conference could help that cause. McCarthy thinks sharing the conference title is still a huge accomplishment. 'It's one of the best conferences in the state of Illinois from top to bottom,' he said. 'For us to be a conference champ is a real honor for our boys. It shows the type of grit they have because there are a lot of ups and a lot of downs. We managed to stay with it.' Lense, who said he's been playing baseball since kindergarten, also stayed with it. He said one of the things he loves about baseball is playing in big situations like Wednesday's game. 'I like the satisfying big moments,' Lense said. 'A lot of moments in baseball are just like 'wow' and you feel great after doing it.'
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Starting at quarterback. Hitting first home run. Lockport's Brendan Mecher checks off another box. ‘It was unreal.'
From a fall spent playing quarterback and wide receiver for Lockport's football team to this spring as an infielder in baseball, junior Brendan Mecher has experienced many exciting moments playing sports this school year for the Porters. The one that happened Friday night will go at — or at least near — the top of his list. He hit the first home run of his high school career. 'It was unreal,' Mecher said. 'There are only a certain amount of things that give you that type of feeling and that's one of them. It was a great feeling.' Mecher contributed to a dominant performance for host Lockport, which earned an 8-3 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way East at Flink Field. Nick Moerman also homered, going 2-for-2 with two runs for the Porters (20-9, 9-5). Milwaukee School of Engineering recruit Bryce Flood and Caden Russell each provided a two-run single. Trace Schaaf threw a complete game for the Porters, striking out six and allowing three earned runs on four hits and five walks to pick up the victory on the mound. 'At the end there, I was just trying to throw some strikes,' Schaaf said. 'I trust my defense and I know they're going to make plays behind me.' Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit MJ Schley had an RBI and a run for Lincoln-Way East (21-9, 10-4). Rocco Triolo added an RBI, while Charlie Cosich and Cooper Johnson each singled and scored. Mecher, meanwhile, mashed his home run to center field on the first pitch of the bottom of the fourth inning, giving the Porters a 7-2 lead. 'I was thinking if I got a fastball I'd be ready for it and jump on it and that's what I got,' he said. 'I got under it a little bit, but I think the wind helped me on that one.' The wind was certainly howling — and dirty, as a dust storm rolled through during the game, making for some unusual conditions as any pop-up became an adventure. Mecher dealt with a couple of those from his spot at second base. 'It was kind of weird, but there's nothing we're not ready to play in,' Mecher said. 'It doesn't really affect us but it was a little tricky and a little weird.' Mecher, though, feels ready for anything. In the fall, he started the season as a receiver and the backup quarterback, but he took over as the starting quarterback after an injury. 'There are a lot of mental things that go into playing quarterback and I think it helps me be prepared for any type of situation that's thrown at me athletic-wise,' Mecher said. 'I think it really builds strong tools to use throughout my athletic career.' Lockport coach Scott Malinowski certainly agreed with that assessment. 'We love the multisport athletes and especially football, and especially a quarterback who's used to the spotlight and high-pressure situations and big games,' Malinowski said. 'Brendan's definitely used to big situations. 'We have seven multisport guys, and we really think they are bringing a lot to our team this year.' At the same time, Schaaf pushed through a long outing to finish the complete game, ending it at exactly 100 pitches. Lockport pitching coach Ralph Mispagel had faith in Schaaf to close things out after he gave up a run in the seventh. 'I asked him there in the seventh inning if he could get us two more outs, and with the look in his eye, there was no way he was coming out of the game,' Mispagel said. Schaaf displayed his toughness, an attribute that is also evident when you watch Mecher. Mecher has seen the benefits of being a multisport athlete. 'I'm always busy and it creates good habits,' he said. 'I'm always looking to create new, better habits that can help me improve myself.'
Chicago Tribune
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Cut from baseball, Madan Sundaram stars for Lincoln-Way East volleyball. ‘One of the best liberos in the state.'
Lincoln-Way East's Madan Sundaram started to play baseball when he was 4. Sundaram was coached by his mother, Lisa, then played travel ball and loved the sport. But he was cut as a freshman in high school. 'I was crushed,' he said. 'I got home and went in my room and I was sulking. I was so sad.' Two or three days later, Sundaram was contacted by coach Kris Fiore to try out for the Griffins' storied boys volleyball program. 'At that time, I'd never touched a volleyball in my entire life,' Sundaram said. 'But I said, 'I'm in.''' He has developed into what Fiore calls 'one of the best liberos in the state.' On Saturday, Sundaram was named to the all-tournament team of the 33rd annual Lincoln-Way East Invitational as the Griffins finished second in the 24-team event. Glenbard West knocked off Lincoln-Way East 24-26, 25-8, 25-20 in the championship match. Matthew Muehlnickel led the Griffins (19-3) with seven kills and seven digs, while Carter Geiger contributed seven kills and Joey Abbeduto added five. Sundaram chipped in with three digs, Dylan Nanney tallied 13 assists and Will Hubatch had 11 assists. Back in 2022, Fiore was intrigued when Sundaram was out of the baseball picture. 'My son (Evan) played baseball with his brother,' Fiore said of Sundaram. 'When I found out he didn't make the baseball team, I hunted him down because he was a good athlete. 'He's been a great player, so it worked out well.' Brother Rice (20-5) finished fourth after dropping a 26-16, 14-25, 15-6 semifinal decision to the Griffins and a 25-21, 25-19 decision to Downers Grove North. Sundaram, Lincoln-Way West's Andrew Flores, Lincoln-Way Central's Dylan Brannigan, Brother Rice's Oliver McNichols and Lockport's Ryan Dziadkowiec also made the 18-player all-tournament team. Defending champion Marist did not enter the tournament but sent its JV team. The young RedHawks raised a few eyebrows winning the Bronze Division, beating the varsity teams of Wheaton St. Francis, Hinsdale Central and Yorkville on Saturday. Still, the weekend spotlight shined on Sundaram. And even though he never picked up a volleyball before entering Lincoln-Way East, he has worked at his craft. 'If you have those two skills of being willing to work and being athletic, volleyball is a game you can pick up and evolve quickly,' Fiore said. 'And he has done that.' Sundaram looked at the sport as a second chance in his athletic career. 'I was so grateful for the opportunity that I tried my butt off every single practice,' Sundaram said. 'No matter how I felt or what day of the week it was or what happened the day before, I always tried to be the best that I could be. 'I tried to treat everything like it was the state championship.' The Griffins have developed state championship aspirations. The first week of the season, they beat Glenbard West 26-24, 2-25, 25-21 in Glen Ellyn. After rallying from a 20-15 deficit in the first game Saturday, Lincoln-Way East got destroyed in the second game but played the Hilltoppers (21-3) tight in the finale. Starting right-side hitter Grant Urban, who also plays football, missed the tournament as he was involved in a national kicking competition in Las Vegas. Sundaram said that he wrestled with the choice of playing sanctioned volleyball in college or going the club route as Illinois and he chose the latter. 'I had a couple of phone calls and a lot of emails,' he said. 'I'm good at volleyball, but I'm a better student. I can get a better education and a better college experience at a bigger university. 'U of I has been my dream school. Both of my parents went there. I have five U of I jerseys. I love the school.' Originally Published: May 5, 2025 at 11:07 AM CDT
