Boys Volleyball
South wins Grand Island tournament
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville South's varsity boys volleyball tuned up for this week's Section VI Championships with a first place finish at the Grand Island Tournament.

The Billies (18-5) won all 13 games and went 7-0 overall, including pool play, defeating Maryvale 25-18, 25-22 in the finals.

"I think we were ahead in every game in the tournament," said South coach Thom Knab. "The only game that turned out to be really close was the quarterfinal against Kenmore East (won by South 28-26). That's because I did a lot of subbing and it took us out of our normal rhythm and allowed them to stay close with us."

South defeated Kenmore West, 25-16, 25-23, in the semifinals. In Pool C, South beat North Tonawanda 25-21, 25-16; Niagara Wheatfield 25-20, 25-17; St. Joe's 25-20, 25-22; and Lockport 25-12, 25-18.

Senior Scott Steimer was named tournament MVP. He finished with 56 kills.

"Scott brought calm consistency," said Knab. "He was good throughout the tournament with his setting and his attack. I think the other players look to him as well because he has that steady confidence. He doesn't let things that are troubling get him down."

Frank Pieri (45 kills) and Spencer McIntyre (38 kills) were named to the all-tournament team.

Knab also lauded the play of libero Shawn Mooney for his defensive work in the back row.

"He was steady back there and dug a lot of balls," said Knab. "He probably played the best ball of his career."

South, seeded second in this week's Section VI Class B Tournament, will host either Holland or East Aurora at 6 p.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals. The semifinals are at Clarence High School on Saturday with the finals at South on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

"My players are so excited about that possibility," said Knab. "We knew about it from the beginning of the year. I said here's our goal. If we get to finals, it will be at our place."

On Tuesday, Williamsville East and Amherst hosted Lew-Port and Cleveland Hill, respectively, in the Class B prequarterfinals and Williamsville North played at Grand Island and Sweet Home travelled to Niagara-Wheatfield in Class A. Results were unavailable before The Bee went to press.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com