By Randy Whalen

The match was great. The cause was even better. 

When Joliet Central traveled to Joliet West on Tuesday, May 12, there was more than the annual local rivalry and Southwest Prairie Conference match at stake. 

That was because the schools came together to celebrate the local veterans with a special "Volley For Vets" event.

It brought the community together for a meaningful cause as the event raised $1,182 for Hope Manor Joliet, which is one of the first large-scale supportive housing developments in the country designed specifically for veterans with families.

"It's my first year hosting it," Joliet West coach Tara Litwicki said. "Nick (Joliet Central coach Nick Ratajczak and I have a really great relationship, and we wanted to start this up again last year, after an 8-year hiatus. So we did that last year, and it's a big success."

Ratajczak and the Steelmen hosted the match last year. He and Joliet Central received a plaque thanking the school for its continued support of the Disabled Patriot Fund. But no matter who hosts, it's a special event.

"The cause is what is most important," Ratajczak said. "We're going to continue doing the event every year. Tara and Joliet West did a great job, and we're excited to give back to the community."

Before the match, Litwicki thanked the veterans and said, "We aren't just grateful for your sacrifice - we are inspired by it.

"We also play in memory of those no longer with us, striving to honor their legacy by looking out for one another. Thank you for making this event a reality!"

The veterans in attendance were then introduced. They are: James Clausen - US Navy from 1971-1975, Ben Midlock - US Army from 1972-1974, Anthony Thompson - US Army from 1989-2005, Herbert Brown - US Army from 1969-1971, Cody Dean - US Marine Corps from 2016-2020, Anthony R. Arellano - US Navy for 6 years. Robert Konieczny - US Army from 2001-2009, Richard Novak - US Army and US Air Force from 1984-1990, and Emilo Ramirez - US Army from 2016-2021.

The National Anthem was then sung by Jolier West junior Tabita Witthouse, and signed by the American Sign Language (ASL) students from both Joliet Central and Joliet West.

After the wonderful event, the two schools treated everyone to a thrilling match. Neither team is having the best season record-wise, but you wouldn't know it by the way they played.

The first set featured 15 ties, four lead changes, and a largest lead of 3 by the Steelmen twice. The last of those was 15-12, but Jolirt West then tied it at 15-15. That was the first of nine straight ties. 

Trailing 23-22, the Tigers closed out the opener on a kill by senior right side hitter Mason Lipuma (12 kills, 3 blocks, 6 digs) on a 50/50 ball, an untouched ace by senior libero Akbal "AK" Ramos (10 digs), and a block by sophomore middle hitter Adryan Benavides (4 kills, 5 blocks).

"We know it was going to be tough," Litwicki said. "When it's that crazy of a match, you have to be able to communicate well."

The Steelmen looked to be the team to play well in the second set. They scored the first three points and jumped out to leads of 9-4, 12-6, and 13-7. But Lipuma had three straight kills as Joliet West had a 5-0 run to close within 13-12.

Still, Joliet Central pushed back to a 17-13 lead. Undaunted, the Tigers embarked on a 4-0 run to tie the second set for the first time at 17-17. Eight more ties followed, including one at 23-23 that saw one of the best plays of the season by anyone in any match.

Anthony Castillo (8 kills), a junior outside hitter, chased down a loose ball and literally leaped over the players on his bench and somehow passed the ball back in play, keeping the volley alive. A minute later, the Tigers ended up taking the point to go ahead 23-22, but the effort showed the pride and perseverance that players put into this match.  

"When Anthony jumped over the bench, that was awesome," Ratajczak said. "I'm very proud of the team. Mason (Lipuma) was our right side last season before transferring to Joliet West, and it was great to see him. We only have a few senior starters, and I'm excited for the future."

A double hit violation put Joliet West ahead 24-23. But the Steelmen saved the match point and had a set point of their own on a kill and a block by senior middle hitter Logan Wright (4 kills). But Joliet Central made a net violation, and junior outside hitter Andre "Dre" Lyles (9 kills) laced a pair of kills to give the Tigers the victory.

"Joliet Central is a young team," Litwicki said. "That's a baller they have (in Castillo). That's what you want from your players, someone who will jump over chairs and make a play. It was a great game, it was fun."

Junior setter Sam Racutt dished out 24 assists and added 8 digs for the Tigers. Sophomore libero/outside hitter Luis Zurita (9 kills, 4 digs), senior setter Logan Novak (24 assists, 5 kills), and sophomore libero/outside hitter Matt Stuckel added 13 digs for Joliet Central.

Novak has 1,585 career assists in three varsity seasons through Tuesday, May 19, which was the end of the Steelmen regular season. That established the Joliet Central career assist record.

Unfortunately for Joliet Central (10-25, 0-11), the loss to the Tigers was the second of five straight to close the regular season. Still, the Steelmen have reached double digits in victories for three straight seasons after having eight total between 2021 and 2023. 

Seven Steelmen seniors graduate. They are: Ivan Casas-Bardales, Andrew Cauthen, Ian Guzman, Novak, Julloyd Silas, Felipe Andres Vega, and Wright.

With one regular-season match left, an SPC one at Romeoville on Thursday, May 21, Joliet West (11-20, 2-8) has a 4-match losing streak. The Tigers also graduate seven seniors. They are: Tyler Bishop, Jafet Cerda, Hector Cintron, Arnoldo Diaz, Mason Lipuma, Austin Peck, and Ramos.

The postseason opens on Friday, May 22. Joliet Central is the No. 27 seed at the Hinsdale South Sectional. In a quarterfinal, as part of the Plainfield Central Regional, they face No. 6 seed Glenbard South at 6 PM.

Joliet West hosts its own regional. But in also in a regional quarterfinal on Friday, the Tigrs are on the road. They are the No. 22 seed at the Hinsdale South Sectional and play at the No. 9 seed, Benet Academy, at 5:30 PM. 

"I'm excited for the future of the program," Litwicki said. "I tell the guys all the time to do their side of the net. We just have to do simple stuff well."