Surane the difference for Providence

Updated: April 25, 2011 6:24AM

Brendan Surane has gradually earned playing time with Providence's volleyball team. The sophomore middle hitter showed why when he came up with two big blocks to help the Celtics defeat host Brother Rice (25-22, 22-25, 25-21) in a Catholic League Blue contest.

Surane broke a tied game with a block-kill to put the Celtics ahead 21-20 in the final game. That point was the beginning of four straight points for Providence. Surane finished off that run with another block-kill and Providence (9-4, 4-1) was at game and match point 24-20. Surane finished with seven block-kills.

``Brendan has been working really hard learning to block shots,'' Providence coach Brett Krapil said. ``He proved it today with those blocks that the work has paid off.''

Surane's points bracketed a four-point service by Connor Contorno to bring the Celtics to the edge of victory. Contorno's run finally ended when Brother Rice (10-7, 4-1) outside hitter Brian Pomorski had a kill from the left side to bring the Crusaders to within 24-21.

Pomorski had the next service for Rice after having served five aces throughout the match. The senior's serve hit the tape and bounced back giving the Celtics the victory.

``I was switched to the middle because [Tim] Sanders is better on the right side,'' Surane said. ``I like blocking in the middle. You get to move around more and it's fun.''

Providence finished the first game in similar fashion. With the game tied at 21, Karl Schramm won three service points to bring it to game point at 24-21. Schramm started the run with an ace. That was followed by a Brendan Duffner block-kill and an unforced error by the Crusaders.

Duffner finished the game with a kill from the right side on a feed by Schramm.

Noticeable for the Celtics from every spot on the floor was Casey Contorno. The senior was effective as an outside hitter, backline player, setter and server. He led the Celtics with 11 kills for the match.

``Casey is the epitome of the utility player,'' Krapil said. ``He's a guy who does it all: passing, setting, hitting, serving and digging.''

The Crusaders captured the second game behind the efforts of Pomorski, Ryan Paull and Dan Weishar. All three players tied for team-highs with seven kills.

Mike Noyes finished with a match-high of 30 assists for the Crusaders.

Marty Ross chipped in 10 kills and seven block-kills for Providence. Schramm contributed 20 assists from the setter spot.

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