Game of the Week: Defending Boys Volleyball Champ Marist Opens with Win over Providence
The Redhawks begin defense of their state championship with a hard-fought win over the host Celtics.
Marist opened its 2011 boys volleyball season with a mission of defending its state championship. The Redhawks took a first step with a victory over Providence Catholic on Tuesday night in New Lenox, but it was anything but easy. Marist won the first game 25-21, Providence took the second game 25-23, and the Redhawks captured the match with a 25-18 victory in Game 3. Senior middle blocker Jim Mead led the Redhawks with nine kills and 13 blocks. His kill late in the third game gave the Redhawks a 23-16 lead. "We've been practicing a lot," Mead said. "Me and my setter (Sean Connelly) have good chemistry together." Marist took a 7-4 lead in the first game, but the Celtics (0-1) fought back to tie the game at 20-20 before the Redhawks surged …
