Boys Volleyball: Lineup still in flux for Lyons

Updated: April 30, 2012 6:52PM

The Lyons Township boys volleyball team continues to search for a consistent winning combination.

There’s no question which two players remain an everyday part of the equation: 6-foot-6 middle hitter Jason Dolinksi and 6-4 outside hitter Kevin McMahon. But the rest of the lineup remains in flux for veteran coach Joann Pyritz. LT has four setters on is roster, and at least three have seen playing time in the past few weeks.

The Lions placed fourth at the Downers Grove South Invitational, held April 20-21, by winning three matches. But LT has lost five other matches since suffering a 25-20, 25-17 defeat to host Lake Park on April 16.

“We’re still figuring out our lineup,” McMahon said. “Coach P has been switching things up. I have confidence in us. I think we’re doing great. We just have to get the job done with passing and setting.”

McMahon has been LT’s most consistent kills leader, behind Dolinski. McMahon, a La Grange Park resident, played club volleyball in the offseason with Dolinski and five other future LT teammates on a Western Springs-based 3rd Coast Elite team.

Other Lions who play with 3rd Coast Elite were Michael Barrett, Daniel Dorsano, Jack Murphy, John Peterson and Andrew Rowley. The 3rd Coast Elite, coached by Mike Konrad, failed to qualify for this summer’s USA Junior Nationals and had its season end with local tournaments in February.

“We lost our bid (for nationals) in our last tournament,” McMahon said.

LT started off the season with a 3-1 record to place third at the Conant Invitational, and then won five of seven matches before suffering a 25-16, 25-15 upset loss to Willowbrook at home April 9. LT came back in its next match with an upset win over No. 7 Downers Grove North on April 10.

DGN visits No. 6 Glenbard West todayThursday to likely determine the West Suburban Conference Silver leader. Glenbard West defeated LT 25-18, 25-14 on April 24.

Lyons Township will compete in the 24-team Lincoln-Way East Invitational, which begins Friday.

The meet features all four Lincoln-Way schools, including No. 3-ranked East (21-3) and No. 5-ranked North (22-2). The tournament also features Naperville North, Sandburg, Marist, Buffalo Grove and Lincoln-Way West.

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