Vianney tops Lindbergh in battle of boys volleyball unbeatens

Paule blasted a kill attempt early in the fourth set against Lindbergh on Tuesday night, but the Flyers libero Gabe Scheve somehow kept the ball off the floor. The dig popped the ball way up into the rafters of Vianney’s gym where it eventually came to rest on the elevated basketball hoop.

Instead of the ultimate 3-pointer, it was simply a replay of the point.

“That’s a new one,” Paule said. “A great dig by the libero.”

Paule and his Golden Griffins teammates can smile about the play after a 25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 25-16 win over Lindbergh in a nonconference boys volleyball match.

Sam Dore and Andrew Kellar each had 13 kills and Paule put down 11 more for Vianney (5-0), No. 4 in the STLhighschoolsports.com large school rankings. Ben Villhard had 47 assists.

“We were just ready,” Villhard said. “We were mad that we lost (the second set). Obviously, we took that anger and turned it into being excited for the next set.”

Vianney built on the momentum gained from a strong third set to take control of the fourth. Paule set the tone with an early block and a couple of kills to give the Golden Griffins a 14-8 lead.

Kellar short-circuited Lindbergh’s hopes for a comeback with a kill and a block to extend the lead to 22-14. A Flyers’ hitting error ended the 1 hour, 49-minute match.

“Our serving picked it up and stuck with it,” Vianney coach Jillian Hoge said. “They stuck to our game plan of blocking really well and I was really impressed with our defense picking up some crazy balls.”

Tyler Zippay had 12 kills and 18 assists for Lindbergh (3-1). Parker Hartman had 11 kills, Jacob Swift added eight more and Cohen Boehm had 17 assists.

“We definitely still have a lot to improve, however, our potential is very high,” Lindbergh coach Atom Zuniga said. “There were moments where we were playing at an incredibly high level, and there were a lot fewer moments where we weren't necessarily playing at that high of a level, but to see the ceiling that we have and also, the reality of where our current level is, is a really good starting point for us to build on for the rest of the season.”

Griffins golden early

Vianney pulled away with a late run to take the first set. Dore blasted four kills, including the set clincher. Kellar also had four spikes, while Villhard had 13 assists with a pair of kills.

“The good thing with my deep offense is that I can just look at the other side, see what block I don't like, and I know I got a good hitter there set them,” Villhard said.

Villhard entered the contest averaging 10.45 assists a game.

“Ben ran our court really well,” Hoge said. “He's got a really good understanding of our team and when to use them and he's open to learning a lot, which I appreciate.”

Lindbergh takes flight

The Flyers never trailed in the second set to even the match at a set apiece. Zippay led the charge with five kills, a momentum shifting block and seven assists. Swift put down four more spikes in the frame.

“We're still working on figuring out all the pieces and getting guys in the right spots,” Zuniga said. “It's still early on. My primary message after the game is that we will see this team again and the stakes are going to be a lot higher. So, looking forward to it.”

A rematch would occur in the state quarterfinals.

Griffins respond

Vianney turned the tables on Lindbergh in the third set to regain the advantage. Paule led the way with six kills and Kellar added three more along with a big block to spark the Golden Griffins down the stretch.

“After last year, we had probably one of our worst records in years,” Paule said. “To see this, starting off undefeated, it's amazing.”

Up next

Lindbergh: Hosts Webster Groves at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The Flyers are seeking to snap a four-match losing streak against the Statesmen.

Vianney: Travels to Eureka at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Golden Griffins beat the Wildcats in four sets last season.