By Xavier Sanchez
Correspondent
After a sub-.500 start to the season, Sandburg returned from spring break with two victories, defeating Hinsdale South in three sets on April 3 and needing two sets to take down Downers Grove North the following day.
The Eagles (6-4) ran their win streak to three games by topping the Hornets at home, 30-28, 17-25, 28-26, and the Trojans on the road, 25-22, 25-23.
Sandburg head coach David Vales liked what he saw from his team this season. Despite some struggles to score points early, Vales was confident if they kept following their game plan, things would go the Eagles’ way.
“It was a matter of executing, and eventually you will have a breakthrough,” said Vales.
Junior outside hitter JT Snider was active on the court, finishing with a team-best 17 kills to go along with three blocks, seven digs, and four aces. Junior opposite hitter Jeremiah Aro had 16 kills, six blocks and five digs.
Vales is looking for more consistency from the team as the season progresses.
“We have had five or six sets where we were up in the 20s and let it slip away,” said Vales. “They must play the same way from point 1 to point 25.”
Senior outside hitter Zach Supanich has been a key player. In the win over the Hornets, he finished with two aces, eight blocks, five digs and 10 kills.
Aro and Snider, as well as sophomore setter Easton Donausky, are among the players back from last year’s team that went 18-18. Vales is hopeful having several key contributors with varsity experience will give them an edge in pivotal moments and games.
“We knew they were going to take some lumps but we wanted them to get used to the speed of the game,” he said. “As the season progresses, their experience will pay off at the end.”
Other notable players include senior libero Myles Aquino, Will Ashum and Dominik Szklarz.
After an eight-day layoff, Sandburg will get back in action April 15 at Lyons (8-2 entering this week).