Lockport’s Matthew Krzos learned volleyball the hard way.
Krzos’ brother, Adam, played for the Porters before suiting up for NCAA Division II King University in Bristol, Tennessee.
Matthew, a senior outside hitter, is seven years younger. Growing up, it meant playing against an older, bigger, stronger sibling.
“He taught me a lot,” Matthew said. “It was definitely tough love. He didn’t take it easy on me. His skill level was a lot higher, so peppering in the backyard was tough.”
At times, that included a shot to the face.
“I never got hurt,” Matthew said. “But he got me into the sport and he is a big influence.”
Krzos was a big influence on Lockport’s success Tuesday night. He had 15 kills and four block assists as the Porters pulled off a 26-28, 25-15, 25-16 victory over host Lemont.
During a stretch in the second game, Lockport (13-2) scored four straight points against Lemont (7-7) on blocks. Mount Mercy recruit Krzos was in on two of them.
Last spring, Krzos was a middle hitter on Lockport’s historic team that made its first state appearance, but he was diagnosed with an enlarged spleen in the postseason.
“It was some illness but I forgot the name of it,” he said. “It went back down overnight, but I had to take it easy and I missed the postseason.”
The 6-foot-5 Krzos picked up a little playing time last year, but his move to the outside this season is producing dividends for the Porters.
“He was antsy after last year,” Lockport coach Nick Mraz
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said of Krzos. “He was excited to get the outside role. He’s getting more touches and a little revenge for himself.”Sophomore right-side hitter Josh Bluhm added 12 kills for Lockport. Senior middle Braeden Goebbert totaled seven kills and four blocks, while sophomore setter Evan Dziadkowiec had 40 assists and sophomore libero Kevin Rodriguez picked up 10 digs.
Bluhm, a 6-6 left-handed hitter, swings with authority. While his power is noticeable, he’s trying to work on all phases of his game.
“One of my goals is to play six rotations,” Bluhm said. “I want to make it so the coaches can’t take me off the floor.”
Lemont was led by senior setter/right-side hitter Jacob TerMaat, who had 12 kills and 15 assists. Sophomore setter Cael Whitchurch added 14 assists.
The first game saw 12 ties and three lead changes before Lemont closed out the win with block from Martin Kowalczyk and Van Gaetto.
Even though Lemont led 7-6 in Game 2 and 5-4 in Game 3, the Porters ended up dominating the rest of those games.
Lemont coach Chris Zogata, who thinks this might the best team in the program’s six-year history, is challenging her players with a tougher schedule.
“This is the first time we’ve taken a game from Lockport,” Zogata said. “We’re still pretty young with a setter and libero who are sophomores.
“We’re trying to improve, and our losses are coming to very good teams such as Buffalo Grove, Lockport, Lincoln-Way West and Joliet West.”
Having a dual threat like TerMaat has been a big help.
He said he received interest from NCAA Division III schools, including an offer from Milwaukee School of Engineering, but will attend Purdue to pursue an engineering degree.
He plans to play club there.
“He was a club player his freshman and sophomore year but wanted to play baseball,” Zogata said of TerMaat. “Then he decided junior year to focus in on volleyball his junior and senior year.
“It was a nice addition to the team, obviously.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.