Payton cruises to city volleyball title

Updated: May 20, 2011 9:38PM

Payton came out strong to put Northside in the hole early to defeat Northside in two games, 25-17, 25-17, at UIC to win the Chicago Public League boys volleyball title on Friday. Freshman Earl Schultz led the way with 13 kills.

“We came out with a lot of intensity,” said Schultz. “We have been working the whole season for this right off the bat. We wanted to win.”

The Mustangs defeated the Grizzlies in conference play, however it was payback time this time around.

The Grizzlies (20-12) jumped to an early lead, 12-6, in Game 1 and finished with a 25-17 win keyed by Schultz.

“(Schultz) is the most outstanding player in the city,” said Grizzlies Coach Casey Feeney. “He has such great court awareness. He knows where the ball should put the ball.”

Northside came out fighting in Game 2 and took a 10-5 lead. But Payton came back with seven straight points to gain the lead, 12-11. Once again Schultz powered the Grizzlies back to a 19-15 lead. The Grizzlies finished with a 25-17 win for the championship.

“All year we had a hard time getting into a rhythm,” said Feeney. “It was really nice to see the guys play such a clean match the whole night. This team doesn’t choke. They have kept it together the whole season.”

Luke Sobieraj had eight kills and Wesley Morioka had six for the Mustangs (21-9).

“It’s disappointing,” said Mustangs’ Coach Nicole Flores. “This was a different team from the semifinals on Wednesday. I was surprised (Payton) controlled the game so well.”

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