Dynamic duo paves way for WW South

Updated: May 27, 2011 9:31PM

Michael and Scottie. Lebron and Dwayne. Batman and Robin. Eric Luhrsen and Michal Stefanski.

OK, so maybe Luhrsen and Stefanski are not in that elite company yet, but for 40 minutes Friday night, the Wheaton Warrenville South duo were just as unstoppable.

Stefanski had 10 kills and two aces and Luhrsen had nine kills and two aces as WW South defeated Glenbard East 25-13, 25-21 Friday in an IMSA Sectional semifinal in Aurora.

The experience is nothing new for Luhrsen, who has been to the state finals every year of his high school career and has won two state titles. But he never tires of the big stage.

“This was a big match, and I feel more comfortable when there is a big crowd, it’s the playoffs and it’s loud,” Luhrsen said. “Our middle hitters are so aggressive, we get a lot of single blocks on the outside. We (he, Stefanski and junior Thomas Jaeschke) may get the stats, but the middles get the credit.”

WW South (36-2) led just 9-8 in Game 1 when the Tigers went on a 9-1 run with Luhrsen at the service line. Luhrsen’s second ace of the run extended the lead to 17-9, and a block by Matt Callaway gave WW South game point.

Two aces by Stefanski earlier in the game had given WW South a 5-3 lead.

“We got off to a great start offensively and defensively,” Glenbard East coach Marci Maier said. “But then they went on that run and forced us to call two timeouts. Our serve receive really hurt us in that game. But I thought we showed some good composure to come back in Game 2.”

Glenbard East (29-9) led 11-8 early in Game 2, but Matt Nussbaum’s quick hitter from the middle and a Stefanski kill gave the Tigers the lead for good at 21-20.

Dave Priest had 29 assists and two blocks and Jaeschke added seven kills for WW South. Matt Ploke and Tim Shenkin each had four kills for Glenbard East.

“We were able to put pressure on them with our serves,” WW South coach Bill Schreier said. “Glenbard East is a scrappy team. They get a lot of balls up. Eric and Michal were able to take advantage of what they gave us.”

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