Twelve matches into the 2021 season, Tolis Koskinaris has seen enough of his Chaparrals volleyball team to know that it is shaping into something very good.
 
"We're learning how to grind through it,'' said Koskinaris, after the Chaps defeated Madison 3-1 in their N4C opener Tuesday night at the PEC Arena. "We're winning the close matches and that was a concern going into the year.''
 
With a roster filled with freshmen, the Chaps (8-4 overall) have won six of their last seven after the 25-16 23-25, 25-13, 25-18 victory.
 
Setter Angelina Saathoff gave the Chaps a spark late against the Wolfpack, after the visitors tied the match at 1-1. Her effort was a notable one in the Chaps' four-set victory.
 
"I figured I'd get a chance to get in and I was mentally prepared to get in and play,'' she said. "That first touch was big. I got into it and it was exciting to feed off the energy from my teammates.''
 
Saathoff handed off six assists to spell starter Hanah Friel, who finished the night with 26 assists.
 
Grace Franz, Emily DeBlecourt and Jessica Juerke each had 10 kills in the victory. Jordyn Stammeyer had four service aces.
 
The Chaps take on Elmhurst JV on Thursday night at home, and play in the Joliet Tournament, beginning Saturday.