Xavier Sanchez
correspondent
A busy but successful final seven days of April saw Chicago Christian briefly rebound to the .500 mark after a rough first month of the season.
The Knights (11-12, 4-4 Chicagoland Christian Conference) have won seven of their past 10 games, all of which came in the last seven days of April. This strong growth includes five consecutive wins during the season, At the Ridgewood Invitational on April 27, he placed second in the gold bracket.
“We're on track,” Chicago Christian Athletic Director Mark Zylstra said. “We are taking the necessary steps to pursue a conference championship and qualify for the postseason.”
After dropping eight of the first 10 games, Christian has fought back for a winning season.they to support their cause It was their fifth straight win since April 24, when they won 25-17, 25-16 against St. Edward.
Sophomore libero Sam Jager had 12 goals and an ace for the Knights, while senior opposite hitter Max Renter had a game-high six kills and three blocks in the win.
Junior setter and captain Malachi Klestel had 20 assists and three kills.
“This is Malachi's second year as one of our captains,” Girastra said. “He's progressing well and played great tonight.”
Christian coach Matt Morales said 6-foot-8 senior middle Ian Faber has been a big contributor for the Knights this season. Faber ranks second in Illinois in batting average and ranks in the top 10 in the nation in batting average of .500.
Morales, who is in his second year at Christian, has played a key role in the growth and success of the program, Zylstra said.
“He eats, sleeps and breathes volleyball,” he added. “He’s always watching film, he’s always doing stats, he’s always looking for ways to help his players get better.”
Morales is relishing the opportunity and is excited about what's in store for the Knights, who are entering their seventh year with the program. This sport is in great demand in schools, Because Christian is a relatively small school, we do not field only freshman teams in some sports.
“We’re really excited because the (roster) numbers have grown almost every year,” Zylstra said.