Jack Berglind sure knows how to clean up.
Marist’s star libero set the school record with 583 digs last season. He’s picking up where he left off this year, keeping the RedHawks’ back row spotless as a senior team captain.
“I have some personal goals, but I’m more worried about the team,” Berglind said. “I want to lead and step up in big situations.”
Berglind stepped up big-time Saturday at the 24-team Marist Invitational. He totaled 52 digs and five aces over five matches en route to earning MVP honors.
The RedHawks (7-0) finished with impressive victories over Stagg, Lincoln-Way Central and Naperville Central to take the title.
“Jack has those leadership qualities that guys gravitate to,” Marist coach Jordan Vidovic said. “When we need someone to take control, keep everyone calm and collected and make something happen, it’s him.
“He’s making everything look really easy. He’s confident in his own game and he’s helping others.”
Berglind made the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American watch list, but he hasn’t been Marist’s only standout during an undefeated start.
Mike Coogan and sophomore Marty Jepsen also earned all-tournament honors for the RedHawks. Jepsen led the way with 53 kills.
“His talent to me is insane,” Berglind said of Jepsen. “He’s capable of doing things that other guys can’t. He shows you some stuff you’ve never seen before.”
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Jepsen trained with the U.S. boys volleyball national team over the summer and is the top underclassman in the Southland.
Jepsen has a 10-foot, 10-inch reach, the second-highest on the team behind the explosive Coogan’s 11-0.
Berglind knows Marist will need to continue its solid team chemistry and patented scrappy defense if the RedHawks are to stay undefeated after Week 2.
Marist heads to this weekend’s Wheaton Warrenville South Tiger Classic, which is among the toughest tournaments in the state.
“We were in a few tough situations,” Berglind said of the Marist Invitational. “As a team, we really responded well. We all came together and trusted each other.”
That’s easier to do with a respected captain piloting the defense.
Prompt champions: Marist wasn’t the only team to pick up a tournament title during the first week of the season.
Lincoln-Way East (7-0) won the Barrington/Vernon Hills Invite behind tournament MVP Ian Piet and all-tournament performer Jake Snyder. Meanwhile, Lincoln-Way West (8-0) stayed perfect with its fourth straight title at the Joliet West Invitational.
East, Sandburg and Brother Rice are among the Southland notables joining Marist at the Tiger Classic.
Take a look around: A few players to watch in the South Suburban Conference include Oak Lawn’s Jack Lindner, Richards’ Frank Hesik and Shepard’s Bryan Leyden.
All three were named all-tournament at Marist and should be in contention for conference player of the year.
Stagg’s John Contant, Andrew’s Joe Jendra, Lockport’s Patrick Surane and Lincoln-Way Central’s Willy Kickert also earned all-tourney nods at Marist. Kickert helped the Knights defeat Downers Grove North to finish third.
Logan Malloy is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.
TOP 10
Records through Wednesday, with preseason rankings in parentheses.
1. Lincoln-Way East 7-0 (1)
2. Marist 7-0 (5)
3. Lincoln-Way West 8-0 (3)
4. Sandburg 4-1 (7)
5. Brother Rice 5-1 (2)
6. Lincoln-Way Central 7-1 (4)
7. Lockport 6-1 (6)
8. Andrew 5-2 (8)
9. Stagg 4-2 (NR)
10. Shepard 4-4 (NR)
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Player of the Week: Ben Pluskota put away eight kills as Lincoln-Way West (8-0) defeated Edwardsville to win the 16-team Joliet West Invitational. Pluskota is one of five sophomores making an impact for the Warriors.