WARREN–The Summit boys volleyball team improved their undefeated record to 11-0 on Friday afternoon in an exciting win over the Watchung Hills Warriors.
"This Watchung team is technically fundamental," Summit head coach John Ross said. "You have to beat them; they're not going to beat themselves."
The two teams met earlier this season in a close, three-game match that the Hilltoppers managed to win without their leading hitter, Garrett Benisch. On Friday, however, Benisch was in the starting lineup and the senior helped Summit win in two games, 25-20, 27-25.
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"Garrett is definitely our power player," Ross said. "If the game's on the line and he's in the front court, he's going to get the ball."
The first game started off the way Summit games typically do: senior Joe Callahan delivered a perfect set to one of Summit's athletic hitters, in this case, Erik Von Haas, for the kill. A diving dig by Hilltopper Sam Densen, and two more Callahan sets to Benisch helped the Hilltoppers get out to an early 5-1 lead over the Warriors.
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Watchung did not give in, however, and later won five consecutive points off of solid serves by Toy George to tie the game at 7-7. The Warriors continued their run and extended their lead to 13-9 off of strong kills by George and captain Christan Tom.
Summit's Von Haas hit a clean kill to the corner to halt the Warrior run, and Summit capitalized on two dipping serves by Callahan to help cut the Warrior lead to 14-13.
Over the next few minutes, Summit's Benisch took over, delivering two strong kills and blocking two Warrior hits to help give Summit a 19-16 lead.
"Garrett's our go-to hitter; we're confident in his play at all times," Ross said.
Hilltopper Densen then stepped up and hit three consecutive kills to give Summit a 22-16 advantage. The Hilltoppers capitalized on a Warrior mishit, and then two Callahan sets to Cris Cafiero and Densen put the first game away, 25-20.
The second game was a back-and-forth, 30 minute battle. Summit continued to rely on the precise setting of Callahan. Different big guys stepped up at the net for the Hilltoppers, including senior John Lim, who had two tremendous kills in the game.
Despite their effort, Summit found themselves trailing 13-7 midway through the second game. Once again, however, the Hilltoppers fought back to tie it at 18 after several Benisch blocks, a few Anise Molina digs, and multiple well-placed tips over the net.
"John (Lim) and Anise (Molina) played great today," Ross said. "And that's how good volleyball is played. Usually one or two players must step up when a game's on the line, and that's what's great about this team. Someone always picks up their game, and that's why we're 11-0."
Later in the game, a kill by Watchung's Tom and a nice serve by Nick Boccio gave the Warriors a 22-20 lead. It was a great atmosphere in the gym as both teams' fans cheered.
The Hilltoppers kept their composure late in the game and continued to rely on what worked: well-placed tips. In fact, Summit won their last four points off of tips by Densen, Luke Shehata, and Christian Flores. Similar to the first game, Summit was able to come from behind to win the second game, 27-25.
"It's hard to beat the same team twice, and luckily this season, we've been able to do that against some tough teams," Ross said.
The Hilltoppers travel to Lakeland Regional High School Saturday for their 10 a.m. match.
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**At Summit High School, boys volleyball is a self-funded sport. In order to raise money for their team, the group plans to hold a fundraising car wash on Saturday, May 15t, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the high school. Stop by and support your undefeated Hilltoppers!**
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