Based on its recent play, the Cicero-North Syracuse boys volleyball team could safely carry far more confidence into its Monday match with Fayetteville-Manlius than it did when it got swept by the Hornets in September.
When the Northstars faced Baldwinsville last Wednesday night, it took note of the Bees’ improvement – and promptly swept them, C-NS taking the opening set 25-18 and the next two sets by equal 25-15 margins.
Earning 21 assists, Jack Waite often passed it to Joey Lukasiewicz, who led the team with 10 kills, just ahead of Carter King’s total of eight kills.
Josh Luce led the defense, earning 10 digs, with Waite contributing six digs. Luke Wieczorek earned three kills, with Colin Deitz and Phillip Greer earning two kills apiece.
Now the Northstars went on the road, playing a tournament in Shenendehowa after a Friday-night match against Section II’s Shaker.
C-NS was impressive against the Blue Bison, prevailing in a 25-16, 25-15, 25-21 sweep as King got 11 kills, helped on the front line by Deitz’s eight kills and Lukasiewicz’s seven kills. Phillip Greer had four kills, as did Waite, who dished out 29 assists helped by Luce and his seven digs.
Meanwhile, Liverpool offered its own challenge to F-M last Thursday night and nearly pulled even in the second set after the Hornets won the opener 25-19.
Both sides had set points, but when the Warriors dropped that set 28-26, it went on lose the third in another 25-19 decision. Connor Sugar had 26 assists for F-M as Mike McAndrew (nine kills), Chris Cleary (eight kills) and Charles Addonizio (six kills) led the front line.
To pace Liverpool, Jack DeForge earned 11 kills, Sean Frawley adding six kills and Ben McHerron getting four kills. Kellen Conway gathered up 22 assists as Shah Sahak recorded 13 digs and Chase Loveless had three kills.