WW South overwhelms Neuqua Valley

Wheaton Warrenville South made it look easy against Neuqua Valley in an IHSA boys state volleyball tournament quarterfinal Friday at Hoffman Estates.

Kevin Mueller had nine kills, Rob Samp and Neill Nystrom each had five kills and Joe Kelly added 18 assists to lead the Tigers past the Wildcats 25-16, 25-22.

After losing Game 1 in both of its sectional victories, WW South found itself in unchartered territory by taking a lead into Game 2 against Neuqua Valley.

“It was definitely a different feeling,” Mueller said. “There was a lot less stress out there. You play with a different mentality when you’re not pressing so hard to win Game 2.”

WW South, which is seeking its fifth state title in six years, eased to 17-14 leads in both games. Neuqua Valley fought back to tie at 20-20 in Game 2, but a tip kill by Neal Whittington and a Mueller smash of an overpass sent the Tigers into today’s 10:00 a.m. semifinal against St. Patrick.

“We did a nice job ensuring that we weren’t going to give away points,” WW South coach Bill Schreier said. “We talked about giving away nothing for free. Neuqua Valley is a good team when you allow them to run their offense.”

Rob Bauer had 11 kills for Neuqua Valley, which finished third last year.

“We could not get anything going,” said Neuqua Valley middle Derek Menendez, who was limited to four kills. “We had a few spurts, but we were out of system most of the game.”

Neuqua Valley (35-4) seemed to get a lift in Game 2 from senior outside hitter Grant Hedrick (two kills, block), who missed most the season after having surgery to remove a brain tumor last fall. But the Wildcats’ inability to pass sealed their fate.

“Our passing was off,” Bauer said. “Not super off, but we weren’t consistent.”