Boys Volleyball: Peter Rafalo playing big on Glenbrook South’s front row

Peter Rafalo can’t hide from teams.

Not only is Glenbrook South’s middle hitter 6-foot-8, but the senior’s been playing with a purpose during the team’s five-match winning streak.

The Titans picked up a big win last week by beating Niles West 25-12, 23-25, 25-18 in the CSL South opener. They followed that up with a 25-12, 26-24 victory over Oak Park-River Forest to come into this week 5-3 overall.

A three-year starter, Rafalo counted 30 kills from his middle position.

“From the beginning, he’s been going strong,” said Glenbrook South coach Tim Monahan, who’s guided the Titans to consecutive regional championships. “He’s been a guy we’ve been able to go to every game. He’s done a nice job.”

Outside hitters Charley Tisch and Drew Maki have joined Rafalo as reliable offensive threats.

“It’s been nice to add those guys,” the coach said. “They got after it in the wins against Niles West and Oak Park.”

Tisch and Maki both are in their second seasons on varsity, and both are showing last year’s experience is paying off.

“They’ve been pretty consistent for us recently,” Monahan added. “We’re starting to come along.”

One new player in the lineup is Matt Kaiser. The junior setter finally is comfortable running the varsity offense.

“It’s a learning process,” Monahan said. “He’s a smart kid, and he’s doing what he’s got to do to help the team score points. He’s doing the right things.”

Glenbrook South was scheduled to play Stevenson on Wednesday before squaring off against New Trier today (Thursday). The Titans then travel to Downers Grove South’s tournament this weekend, where top-ranked Wheaton Warrenville South and the Trevians are among the teams in the competitive field.

© 2013 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.