CN100 Game of the Week preview: Boys Volleyball - Lincoln-Way North vs. Lincoln-Way East

Boys Volleyball: Lincoln-Way East vs. Lincoln-Way North

Game Date/Time: Thursday, May 9, 5:45 p.m.

Broadcast Dates/Times: Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, Noon and 4 p.m. Find additional air times at cn100.tv.

Where: The Oaks Fitness and Recreation Center, 10847 La Porte Rd., Mokena.

Records (as of 5/7/13): Lincoln-Way East (29-3 overall, 8-0 Southwest Suburban), Lincoln-Way North (30-2 overall, 8-0 Southwest Suburban).

Key players: Lincoln-Way East: Austin Royer, Jr. S; Nate Van Dellen, Jr. OH; Ryan Vorderer, Jr. OH. Lincoln-Way North: Matt Burke, S; Brad McFarland, OH; Jake Walenga, OH.

Fast Facts: The two newer schools have become fierce rivals in boys volleyball in their short time in existence. East wrestled away the conference title from North last year in North’s only conference defeat. They are on the same path heading into this showdown. East tied a program record with 35 wins last year and is a three-time state qualifier. The Griffins have only one senior, and start all juniors, yet are off to a 28-3 start. Junior setter Austin Royer leads the way. He is already the program’s all-time assist leader and was the first freshman to start at setter in program history. He has 709 assists this season. Van Dellen and Vorderer are the team’s two leaders in kills with 261 apiece. Both were on varsity as sophomores. Libero Josh Phalen is out with a broken hand. All four of those players start on the Ultimate 17 Gold club team. North is coming off its first-ever regional title last year. McFarland leads the way on the outside with 289 kills. Walenga has 186 kills. Burke has dished out 420 assists.

Quotable: “We are extremely excited for this match,” Lincoln-Way North coach Matt Lawrence said. “It’s not often when you get two really good boys volleyball teams from the same town. I’m friends with (Lincoln-Way East coach) Kris Fiore and our players are friends with his players. North/East games have historically had a lot of action and we are looking forward to a great competition.”

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