Wolves put a stop to losing streak

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It was going to be a bright day for somebody on Monday at IMSA as the Titans and Oswego East both tried to end a losing streak.

The Wolves left Aurora a little happier by handily winning Game 1 25-14 and then surviving a roller-coaster 26-24 game to take the nonconference match.

East (3-12 ) coasted in the first game behind the strong net play of Kurt Kenworthy and Joey Kowal's hitting and serving.

Kenworthy nailed three kills and had a block and a service ace, while Kowal added two spikes and two aces.

Cody Morrow's all-around play was the highlight for IMSA in the first game.

The Titans regrouped and showed some fire in the second game, which was tied nine times and had four lead changes in the closing minutes.

"In the first game, we didn't slow down and we pushed," said Oswego East coach Keri Olejniczak. "In the second game, I think our players just assumed it would be easy. That allowed for some communications errors."

Morrow had a spike early on, and Brandon Zang kept IMSA close with some big winners. Ankit Jain scored on a block and a tip shot.

Kenworthy's block gave the Wolves a 21-19 lead, but Morrow scored at the net for a 22-21 Titans' advantage. Joe McGavin was clutch for East as he tied the game twice at 22 and 23.

Kowal, however, had the most important hit of the night for a 24-23 East lead. Unfortunately, the match ended on errors by both squads, the last one a Titan kill attempt that sailed out of bounds.

"The second game they came out fighting and we weren't prepared," said Kowal. "We came back and showed the heart that we needed to win."

Kenworthy was the stat leader in kills, blocks, and digs for the Wolves. McGavin, Kowal, and Zach Silva each had five kills, and Roopak Pandya showed three digs.

"Our libero, Adam Leemans, came back strong (from an injury). He's our soul, our strong defensive player," said IMSA coach Sim Garrett, whose team is now 1-10.

"We focused a little bit more (in the second game). We're a strong, hustling team. They've lost a lot of games, but their spirit is not lost. That's what I like about them."