Sports

Boys Volleyball: Behnke, Wolves top Oswego, bank program win record

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Oswego East's Colin McClintic (16) slams a shot at Oswego's Chase Mang (3) and Jerell Rogers (10) during a boys varsity volleyball match at Oswego East High School on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Steven Buyansky for Shaw Media (Steven Buyansky)

By JOSHUA WELGE

The crosstown was a classic once again.

Especially for Oswego East.

Winning a hard-fought 25-23, 25-23 match with Oswego on Tuesday, the host Wolves eclipsed the program win record set last season.

It's the second time this season the Wolves (17-14, 6-5) have beaten Oswego - the first was at the Benet Invite - and erased the sting of last year's match. That one, Oswego won the clinching game 32-30.

"It's something special to beat them at home, with the big crowd there," Oswego East coach Brian Zerfas said. "This is a great win for us and our program. We're excited to be in the position we are."

Colin McClintic had nine kills and Jahari Winkfield six. Sam Behnke had 20 assists, 10 digs and 14 service points - with a critical service run in Game 2.

Trailing 15-10, the Wolves went on a 7-1 run with Behnke on serve to take control.

"Sam was a catalyst today," Zerfas said. "That was one of best of Sam's best defensive game. We were able to put on the pressure and turn the tide."

Oswego East missed five serves in the early going, and trailed 10-6 in the first game. The Wolves rallied to take leads of 14-12 and 21-16.

"We came out a little flat," Zerfas said. "We were not making good connections."

The second game was another nail-biter, Oswego leading 8-3 early.

"A lot of times we chunk those matches," Zerfas said. "That's the first time in a long time I can remember us coming out of a hole."

Oswego East, seeded 15th in the Oswego Sectional, opens regional play May 22 against Hinsdasle South at Downers Grove North. Oswego, seeded 17th, starts regional play May 22 against Wheaton North at Glenbard West.