After a strong season in 2024 ending with a 32-6 record, LTHS Boy’s Varsity Volleyball will only remain with three seniors for their 2025 season. This begs the question, will LPVB sustain their history of successful seasons?
LPVB lost some of their contributors. Lockport lost Evan Dziadkowiec who is second in all-time assists for the school. To add, he is also a four time 1st team player within the state of Illinois. He now plays for Loras College as their starting setter. Furthermore, another major loss was Josh Bluhm, the team’s leading right side hitter. He now plays for William Penn University.
The start of the 2025 season has been a battle as the team has opened the season with a (7-6) record. Four of Lockports losses have been brutal defeats ending in third sets. The newly formed team is now led by Ryan Dziadkowiec (228 Assists), Adam Gieser ( 111 Kills), and Drew Miller (75 digs).
While being asked about the key factors for having a successful season head coach Nick Mraz says We graduated a group that had started for us for 3 years. It is not typical to graduate 100% of a lineup but that’s what happened for us this season. We entered 2025 inexperienced so the challenge is getting the new group to get comfortable with each other in regards to communication, connection, and trust with responsibilities. Once those aspects are improved then the wins and high level of play will follow. It will just take time.”
In addition,“The start of this volleyball season has been bumpy for sure. There have been a lot of good moments and a lot of rough moments. It was definitely hard losing 10 seniors last year because we are a very young team. The team has been getting better with practice and playing in matches but we still have a lot to learn as a group. For the amount of inexperience we have there have been some players stepping up. There is still a lot of season left and we are going to find our momentum going further” stated Outside Aiden Morgan (26).
Hopes are high as the team won in fashion against Lemont’s varsity team. LPVB seems to finally be getting their feet set as they have ended the losing streak and are on the uprise. To add their schedule for the following weeks is easier when compared to the start of the season ensuring multiple wins for the Porters in the upcoming games. After the team reflects on some of the key factors needed for change, their season should turn around. Returning to the successful seasons the program is known for.
