February 07, 2025
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Boys Volleyball: Ryan Swartz, Glenbard West breeze to Benet Invite title

LISLE – Ryan Swartz didn't join his teammates at Glenbard West's prom Saturday.

By Joshua Welge

He could help the Hilltoppers dance again in June, though. Swartz, a 6-foot-1 junior outside hitter, was playing JV last year when Glenbard West won its third straight state championship. It's his turn now. "It's a lot of responsibility," Swartz said, "but we know we can handle it. We've been in tough situations before." Swartz and the Hilltoppers showed their championship level Saturday. Glenbard West beat Naperville Central 25-20, 25-10 to win the Benet Invitational for the third consecutive year. (Jon Cunningham)

He could help the Hilltoppers dance again in June, though. Swartz, a 6-foot-1 junior outside hitter, was playing JV last year when Glenbard West won its third straight state championship. It's his turn now. "It's a lot of responsibility," Swartz said, "but we know we can handle it. We've been in tough situations before." Swartz and the Hilltoppers showed their championship level Saturday. Glenbard West beat Naperville Central 25-20, 25-10 to win the Benet Invitational for the third consecutive year. (Jon Cunningham)

That endurance is put to the test when you're playing a team for the fourth time. Glenbard West was with Naperville Central, and passed with flying colors. "It's tough playing a team four times, twice in the same day. They know your tendencies," Swartz said. "But we pulled through." The Hilltoppers also bounced back from a loss to Marist in the championship match of the Brother Rice Smack Attack on April 21. (Jon Cunningham)

What did they learn? "What we applied this weekend was our championship mentality," Swartz said. "Our legs were kind of worn out and we didn't play like it was our last play [against Marist]. We really showed that in the championship [at Benet] that we do have the legs and we do have that championship mentality." "It's really hard to beat a team four times, and Naperville Central is an amazing team," Giunta-Mayer said. "For them to motor through that, and the way they did it, we'll take it. This gives us confidence." (Jon Cunningham)

The Hilltoppers will be on the short list of state title contenders, when the playoffs roll around in May. Marist, Lincoln-Way East, Neuqua Valley and Lake Park are in the mix, although Neuqua star outside hitter Jeremy Grove suffered a high ankle sprain this week and his return is uncertain. "I think our team is looking really strong," Swartz said. "We feel very confident. We still have a lot to work on, our defense and our blocking especially. Our timing isn't perfect but I think we have made a lot of progress since the start of the season." (Jon Cunningham)