For Lincoln-Way West senior outside hitter Hunter Vedder, it’s time to get serious.
The Warriors were state quarterfinalists and won 32 matches last season. They have high hopes but have been underperforming this spring. And Vedder, the team captain, has seen enough.
“I have to make sure everyone is on their best behavior,” said Vedder, a Trinity Christian recruit. “There is no time for messing around. We all have to stay focused and get back to work.
“It has to be serious from now on, especially in practice.”
Vedder and sophomore outside hitter Colin Baikie produced some serious swings Thursday night, each coming up with 14 kills in leading host Lincoln-Way West to a 25-19, 24-26, 25-17 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lockport in New Lenox.
King recruit Colin Dargan tallied six kills for the Warriors (17-14, 2-2), while Jack Jurka added five and David Neylon had four, including three in the third game. Ryne Ferree contributed 32 assists.
Lockport (13-16, 1-4) was led by nine kills by Hunter Fash. Ryan Dziadkowiec recorded 15 assists, while Adam Gieser chipped in with eight digs and Austin Williams had three blocks.
Last year, both teams tied for first in conference with 7-1 records. But the Porters, who entered the season with scant varsity experience, have gone 6-7 in three-game matches to fall below .500.
“We have so many sets where we play clean, but we haven’t had a clean match,” Lockport coach Nick Mraz said. “We make too many mistakes. But I told them if they put together an entire match, they are going to be a tough out.”
The Illinois High School Association’s postseason seedings came out Thursday. Lincoln-Way West is seeded seventh in the Hinsdale South Sectional, followed by Lockport at 12th.
With injuries to senior libero Andrew Flores and 6-foot-9 senior middle Drew Kregul, who is committed to Northern Kentucky, the Warriors have been shifting their lineup around.
Vedder, however, feels the Warriors will be a tough team if they are healthy for the playoffs.
“Oh, no, it’s not too late,” Vedder said of turning things around. “We had some days where we were slacking off, and we need to get back into business and get to work in practice.
“Of course, with the injuries, it’s hard because everything is changing. We haven’t had a consistent lineup. But we’ll work hard and I think we will go pretty far.”
The 6-3 Vedder has been a strong force in all phases of the game for the Warriors.
“Hunter is true senior leader,” Lincoln-Way West coach Jodi Frigo said. “With his position as a captain this year, he brings that leadership in and he makes sure his team is following suit.
“He is versatile and can play anywhere on the court. He plays hard every point and every play.”
Baikie, who had nine digs Thursday but has moved from the back row to the front due to the injuries, is gaining valuable hitting experience on the varsity. He appreciates Vedder as well.
“I feel like he’s our hype man,” Baikie said. “He brings everyone together, and I feel like he plays with a lot of energy. He always tries his hardest.”
When selecting a college, staying close to home was important to Vedder, who knew players from Trinity’s program. Chris and Conner Dargan, Colin’s brothers, both played for the Trolls.
“I saw them play there and I wanted to stay close to home,” Vedder said of the Dargan brothers. “I think I’m going to fit in well there. It’s like a tight-knit family.
“Everyone is so friendly there, especially when I went to the open gyms. Everyone greeted me and picked me up and wanted me to play with them.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
