Panther Volleyball Looks to Strengthen Offense

The Mehlville High School boys volleyball team is looking ahead after their second-place finish at last Saturday's tournament at Marquette.

The tourney followed four losses that opened the season against St. Louis University High, CBC, Vianney and Oakville, representing some of the toughest teams in the state.

“I would like to find a team that’s had a harder opening schedule,” coach Dennis Perry said. “But we can do nothing but get better by this competition.”

The team bounced back last Saturday from those opening losses and defeated Marquette, splitting matches with SLUH and Francis Howell Central to advance to the semifinals. After defeating Lafayette, they lost to SLUH in the finals in two games.

“The team played tremendous defense all day long,” Perry said. “At the beginning of the tournament, it was primarily just a great effort by everyone in the back row.  However, as the day progressed, we were able to get more production out of the blockers, which gave our defense even more confidence.”

Defense has been strong for the Panthers as they have seniors Dan Braun and David Klein in the back row.

“We certainly pride ourselves on defense and being scrappy,” Perry said. “Our goal is to make other teams make mistakes by being scrappy, but this year we’re much stronger in hitting.”

The team has several returning hitters in senior middle-hitters Tyler Yost and Blake Westerman. Braun and Brian Beczkala, who both earned all-conference honors last year, return at the outside-hitting positions.

The setter position is still open as the team lost three-year starter Bryan Rich to graduation. Sophomores Kyle Leininger and Austin Rademeyer have been filling in along with all-around player Braun.

The Panthers also have young talent as three freshman play club ball in the offseason. Freshman hitter Ian Piskulic opened the season with hits against SLUH.

Their goal for the season is to get over the .500 mark, something they only missed by one game last year.

Mehlville will face Lafayette on Thursday at home and then travel to Rockwood Summit on Monday.