Shorthanded because of a school retreat and the start of spring break, Fenwick’s boys volleyball team weathered the storm against St. Joseph on Wednesday night.
The Friars managed to overcome the absences and a slow start as they picked up a 25-20, 25-15 victory on the road.
“We were missing a few players, so the first game started out rough,” said junior Pat Kenny, who finished with six kills and five aces. “But the second game we got in our groove and just got off to a good lead. It’s definitely a confidence booster to get an ace and we got plenty this game.”
Game 1 was tight throughout with the two squads tied at 10-10 and 15-15, before the Friars (2-1) caught a break when the Chargers (1-2) were ruled out of rotation to give Fenwick a 22-18 lead.
The Friars closed out the first game and started Game 2 by scoring six straight points, courtesy of some excellent serving from Kenny.
Christian Mullis, who led St. Joe’s with 11 kills, said the turning point was the defensive miscue in Game 1.
“When you give up free points like that it brings you down,” Mullis said. “It gets to you.”
Jimmy Finan finished with 13 assists for Fenwick.
Rob Valentin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.