OPHS boys' volleyball squad earns a break
Eagles ranked No. 5 in Division IV coaches' poll
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

After dispatching Bishop Diego in three games Tuesday night at home, the Oak Park High boys' volleyball team will have two weeks' rest before its much anticipated showdown against TriValley League rival Oaks Christian on April 17.

Oak Park (13-3, 6-1) had little trouble fending off Bishop Diego (7-4, 5-2). The Eagles won by scores of 25-14, 25-17 and 25-21. The Eagles will head into next week's spring break one game behind Oaks Christian in the TVL standings.

Oaks Christian was ranked No. 1 in the most recent CIFSouthern Section Division IV coaches' poll. OPHS, meanwhile, maintained its grip on the No. 5 spot in the rankings.

"Bishop Diego played tough; they're a good team," Oak Park head coach Patrick Quinn said following the victory.

"They're better than the way they played tonight. I think we got them when they were a little tired because they played (Monday) night as well."

Junior setter Adam Quinn led OPHS with 29 assists and nine blocks. Senior outside hitter Killian Doheny added 11 kills, and junior middle blocker Stephen Thompson contributed 10 kills and two blocks for the Eagles.

Adam Quinn said the Eagles were a little sluggish against Bishop Diego after having several players miss practice time earlier in the week for various reasons. Still, he said, a win is a win and the team will take it.

"Because we had a few guys out, we probably weren't working as well as we had been," Adam Quinn said. "I wasn't connecting with Thompson like we usually do. He's a big force for us and is probably one of the best attackers in the CIF."

Even on a night when they weren't firing on all cylinders, the Eagles made things look relatively easy. The only time OPHS faced adversity was in the decisive third game, when they fell behind 12-6.

Oak Park came roaring back and tied the game at 20 before junior middle blocker Jared Furlong put Bishop Diego away with the match-clinching kill.

"We had some mistakes and gave them a few points," said Furlong, who finished with six kills and five blocks.

"We didn't stick to our game, and that allowed them back in it. But in the end, we were able to pull things out."

Following the victory, the Eagles' focus quickly turned to Oaks Christian, a team they lost to earlier in the season at home. In order to stay sharp for the upcoming match, several OPHS players plan to continue working out at the school during their time off.

"Every day I think about that match," Adam Quinn said. "It's going to determine who wins league."