Up until now, Tyler Hollist has been known mainly for his basketball prowess.
But if this keeps up, the 6-foot-7-inch Waubonsie Valley senior stands to make a serious name for himself in volleyball.
Hollist had 11 kills and 11 blocks Thursday as he helped lead the Warriors to a 15-9, 17-15 non-conference victory over Downers Grove South.
Not bad for a guy who never played the sport until this spring.
“I’m impressed with his ability as an athlete to learn so much so quick,” said Warriors coach Alan Lagger, whose team improved to 9-5-2 in only its second varsity season. “In the last three matches, he’s been the dominant force at the net blocking. He’s really started to come into his own and learn his position real well.
“I just wish I could have him back another year.”
Hollist, a middle hitter, had several key blocks in the first game and later helped clinch a come-from-behind Game 2 victory.
Another top contributor also wasn’t around last spring. Jared Baker, who earned All-State honors in New Jersey before moving to the Waubonsie Valley district, nailed a team-high 12 kills.
Both seniors played well in the first game, but it was Hollist’s excellent net play that helped Waubonsie Valley build an 11-4 lead.
Downers Grove South stormed back with a 5-2 surge that cut the lead to 13-9. But the Mustangs drew no closer as they committed errors that led to the Warriors’ final two points.
But in the second game, the visiting Mustangs seemed revitalized as they jumped to a 7-0 lead.
“We did the same thing (earlier in the season) against Naperville Central,” Lagger said. “After we win the first game, they have the bad habit of relaxing . . . Luckily we were able to battle back.”
Waubonsie Valley rallied from the brink of defeat as Hollist’s kill tied the contest at 15-15 and a subsequent Downers South shot went out of bounds to give the Warriors a 16-15 edge.
Hollist closed with a dump shot over the net for the game-winning point.
“Our problem is consistency–maintaining our composure and coming out from the beginning and playing,” said Mustangs coach Rich Greisheim, whose team fell to 11-14. “When we got into the second game and got a good start, that was our opportunity to take it.
“Instead they were able to nibble back. We let them back into the game.”
Downers South junior Steve Napolitano led both teams with 14 kills, and senior Dominic Gianpetro added 12.
