Warriors Make History at State Tourney

Making history before it ever stepped foot on the floor, the Deerfield High School volleyball team fell to Downers Grove South, 25-20, 22-25 and 25-17, today in the State Tournament in Hoffman Estates.

The Warriors had some trouble getting started in each set but kept their composure to make the first set close, win the second and stay within reach until the end of the third, according to Coach Eugene Chung.

“This was nothing new for us,” Chung said of the slow start and the team’s ability to remain competitive. “We’ve been down before. They don’t get excited when they’re up or lose their composure when they’re down.”

What was new for Deerfield was playing in the State Tournament. No volleyball team, boys or girls, had ever reached the tourney since it began, according to Warrior Jake Brody. “It was great to be part of history,” he said.

It was a new experience for Chung as well. “I was in uncharted territory,” he said. “This is a very coachable team and it made me a better coach. I’m really proud of the effort (for the whole season). I’ve grown as a coach.”

As they have through the season, Zach Hara, Jordan Fine and John Harlan sparked the offense. Hara had 13 kills, four digs and a block while Harlan contributed 12 kills and a pair of digs. Fine dished out 36 assists along with five digs and two kills.

Brody chipped in 11 digs and two assists while Adam Nadler had seven digs. Kenison Ready added four kills, a dig and a block.