Boys Volleyball: Kenny Payonk, John Hodul key Sandburg rout

Updated: April 24, 2012 7:48PM

In middle blockers Kenny Payonk and John Hodul, Sandburg coach Sean Airola knew he had the skill and talent at the net necessary to win.

As for the on-court experience? That would hopefully come with time.

Both the skill and talent were on display as Payonk and Hodul had four kills and three blocks apiece to help lead Sandburg to a 25-15, 25-13 win over Andrew in a SouthWest Suburban match Tuesday.

“John has come along a ton this season, and I love his work ethic,” Airola said. “Kenny leads by example and he’s one of those kids you always want on the court because he’s just a gamer.”

Mike Scannell added four kills and Nick Bendell dished out 10 assists for Sandburg (12-9, 2-2). Casey Bormet (seven kills), Michael Tucker (six kills) and Sanil Thomas (14 assists) contributed for Andrew (10-8, 2-2).

Hodul, a 6-9 junior, made the jump from junior varsity to varsity this season while Payonk, a senior, saw limited court time on the state championship team last season.

“My teammates are such hard workers, and they bring so much energy,” Hodul said. “I feel like if I connect well with them in practice, we’ll connect in games. Making the jump to varsity was very comfortable because of those teammates.”

Payonk and Hodul’s six combined blocks helped set the tone for Sandburg, which led by as many as 11 points in Game 1. Payonk’s service run (five points) helped Sandburg pull away in the second, turning a 13-11 advantage into an 18-11 lead.

Andrew was without star outside Bobby Renaud who sat with an ankle injury.

“With Sandburg, you just can’t come out flat,” Andrew coach Troy Hari said. “It was the little things because we returned some big hits on them. We had some big digs, but other hits (Sandburg) returned them right back in our face.”

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