Cadets fall to Spartans

Cadets fall to Spartans

Hilton opened its 2007 boy's volleyball season with a 25-15, 25-23, 25-23 loss to a strong Gates-Chili squad. After not having a lead in the first two games, the Cadets led by as many as eight points in game three before struggling to score late.

"We struggled with our defense and that didn't allow us to set up our offense," said Hilton head coach Rob Steinorth. The team was also playing without middle hitter Dan Steger, who is expected to help on both offense and at the net on defense.

Trailing by as many as six points in the second game, Hilton gained momentum by closing to within one point before giving away the final point on a net violation. The rally was helped by a kill and a block by Mark Heiler, an ace by Mike Shaw and three consecutive service points by Ryan Bechtold.

They carried that momentum to a 15-7 lead in the third game led by Bechtold and Nick Shaw each registering two kills before being outscored 18-8 to close the match.

Bechtold and Shaw led the Cadets with six kills each with Bechtold also picking up three blocks.

"I'm happy with the way this team has come together," said Steinorth. All five starters from last year's squad graduated. The school moves down a level and will add Churchville-Chili and Brockport as divisional opponents this season.