Ben Pluskota sure knows how to make up for lost time.
After missing two tournaments and a handful of nonconference matches with a fractured wrist, Pluskota’s midseason return has propelled Lincoln-Way West to new heights.
The junior outside hitter totaled eight kills Tuesday in a 25-10, 25-17 victory over O’Fallon in the Minooka Sectional championship game.
The win advanced the Warriors (30-8) to the state quarterfinals for the first time in program history.
“I knew I’d have to contribute a lot when I got back,” Pluskota said. “It was tough being out, but once I had a couple games under my belt, the confidence rose.
“Every game, I’m feeling like I can hit hard, pass well and do anything to help my team.”
The 5-foot-11 Pluskota lit the fuse in a thrilling 28-30, 29-27, 26-24 sectional semifinal victory over Plainfield East (29-4). He erupted for 25 kills and 13 digs to avenge a previous defeat to the Bengals.
Junior setter David Flores wasn’t surprised.
“Ben is our most dominant hitter,” Flores said. “When he got back, it brought us all together. He’s always consistent. He helps us control the game better.”
The Warriors, however, are far from a one-man show. Flores is one of the best setters in the Southland, while Louden Moran, Brandyn Cullen and Chris Dargan know how to take advantage of a one-on-one block when Pluskota attracts defensive attention.
Pluskota, Moran and Cullen all have over 200 kills. Three-time defending state champion Glenbard West is the only other team remaining with three players with more than 200 kills.
“Everyone wants the ball,” Flores said. “Everyone can put it away. It’s easy for me to run the offense.”
Lincoln-Way West will need its quick-strike attack at full speed if the Warriors hope to continue their quest for a state title.
West has the toughest path at state, starting at 11:30 a.m. Friday in the quarterfinals against Neuqua Valley (31-7) at Hoffman Estates.
If West can beat the Wildcats, the Warriors would then play Barrington (34-5) or Glenbard West (36-3) in Saturday’s semifinals.
More Top Picks Best Ionic Hair Dryers
“We have something to prove,” West coach Jodi Frigo said. “Last year, all my guys were sophomores, and now they have a year under their belt. I tell them it’s time to leave their legacy.”
Expect to hear more from West in the future. Cullen and middle hitter Jack Ryan are the only seniors on the roster.
Party crashers: St. Rita looked like it was limping into the postseason, but in actuality, the Mustangs are just hitting full stride.
St. Rita upset top-seeded St. Ignatius 25-20, 25-18 to win the Mount Carmel Sectional and advance to the state quarterfinals for the seventh time in program history.
“A few things clicked with our outsides, particularly, and Joe Horn has been playing out of his mind and putting everyone in great positions to score,” St. Rita coach Brian Hagen said. “He’s been doing it all year and they’re putting the ball down.”
Horn, a junior setter, leads the team with 36 aces and is second with 54 blocks. He’s also spreading the ball around as five attackers have at least 89 kills.
The Mustangs (21-18) play New Trier (33-6) at 2 p.m. Friday.
East mode: Lincoln-Way East (36-3) is back. The returning state runner-up is looking for gold this time around with a diverse attack led by Loyola recruit Ian Piet.
This will be East’s fourth trip to state in five years.
The Griffins are 5-1 against the field, and even with star middle hitter Mike Herlihy sidelined by injury for the season, don’t be surprised if East advances to another state final.
East’s quarterfinal match is at 1 p.m. Friday against Oak Park-River Forest (28-7).
Logan Malloy is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.