Manganiello powers Downers South

Updated: May 26, 2011 12:30PM

David Manganiello’s teammates did the smart thing Wednesday in the regional final at Benet. They stayed out of his way.

Manganiello, Downers Grove South’s 6-foot-5 opposite-side hitter, had 10 kills and five aces to lead the Mustangs to a 25-14, 25-14 victory over host Benet. Kevin O’Halloran added three kills and two blocks for Downers South (32-5), but Manganiello needed little help.

“I came out and watched them (Benet) during warm-ups and they were much better than I expected,” Manganiello said. “I knew the team had big expectations for me, and I had a few jitters in my stomach. But as soon as I got out there and the sets started coming, I was fine.”

A few weeks ago, Manganiello would never have found himself at the service line. But an injury to setter C.J. Blaha forced the Mustangs to dump their 6-2 offense in favor of a 5-1, opening the door for Manganiello to play some in the back row.

“David has been coming on really strong,” Downers South coach Tony Nevrly said. “He’s become a heckuva all-around player and we’re thrilled to death. He’s elevated his game and become a big-time player.”

Benet’s 6-5 junior Bobby Wehrli tried to keep his team in the match with nine kills and a block. But the Redwings fell behind 13-8 in both games and never mounted a threat.

“We struggled as a team,” Benet coach Amy Van Eekeren said. “I can’t even pinpoint one thing. There were some easy balls we didn’t get to, their block was outstanding, and we didn’t communicate like we usually do.”

Sam Kull had two kills and three blocks for Downers South, which will face Naperville North in a sectional semifinal Friday at IMSA. Naperville North upset Downers North in three sets Wednesday.

Nevrly’s son Brooks, a sophomore, was the starting libero for Downers North.

“It hurts me a little bit, but I get to be a dad,” Nevrly said. “At the same time, I have 14 sons out here who I’ve got to help out. They are super, super kids. This has been so much fun.”

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