Boys Volleyball
Eden's passing too much for South
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville South's Kevin Cottrell blocks Eden's Joe Norton during first game action at the Section VI Class B finals at South on Wednesday. Eden won in three games and went on to win its third state title on Saturday. Photo by Joe Eberle

Williamsville South had ingredients in place for an upset over Eden at last Wednesday's Section VI Class B final.

The Billies were making a section final appearance for the first time in at least 15 years and the host school for the A and B finals. They were also riding a 19-game unbeaten streak which included winning the Grand Island Tournament and defeating East Aurora and Depew in the playoffs.

But all of that didn't matter against Eden, who won its seventh straight Class B section crown in three games, 25-19, 25-20, 25-15. Eden would go on to win its third consecutive Class B state title Saturday at Orchard Park.

South coach Thom Knab said Eden's passing was stronger.

"I think we did not even play our best game," Knab said. "But we hung with them. I think Eden was much more consistent all the way around, especially passing. We struggled a little bit at times passing and they passed really well. I think that's the difference because you pass to set to attack. When we got it there, we hit and got some great blocking."

South's latest lead was 14-13 in game one but Eden would tie it up, score the next five points and never look back. The Billies trailed 17-9 in game two, clawed back with three points but could not close the deficit to less than five. Eden scored the first four points of game three and up 8-2, saw the lead diminish to 8-6 from balls hit out of bounds. The Raiders regrouped and outscored South 17-9 the rest of the game, including 7-1 to close out the match.

What's scary about Eden's performance is it wasn't even their best outing.

"I wished we would have brought a little bit more of our game," said Eden coach Robert Pierce. "I think we may have looked over Williamsville South to be honest. That's something that I need to do a little bit better preparing my team and they need to do a little bit more as seniors."

J.J. Meyer (13 kills, ace), Tom Klein (two aces, seven kills), and Joe Norton (nine kills, two aces, two blocks) led Eden.

South's senior tri-captains Scott Steimer (12 kills), Frank Pieri (12 kills) and Spencer McIntyre (seven kills) led the Billies.

South finished 20-6. Every players except junior Joseph Paul graduates including Pieri, Steimer, McIntyre, Matt Carey, Kevin Cotrell, Matt Hooper, Dan Lynch, Shawn Mooney and Nick Needham.