As basketballs are put away and three-point shooters hang their jerseys up for the season, Edwardsville’s gymnasium swaps basketball hoops for volleyball nets in preparation for the volleyball boys’ successful season to come.

The Tigers have only played one game so far this season and have competed in one weekend tournament.

Their first game was against Althoff and the Tigers were fired up for their home debut.

“We were all pumped (about our first game), many of us had played club season and playing against each other just isn’t the same as playing with each other,” one of three senior captains Eric Brammeier said. “That game was something all of us had been waiting for a long time.”

And after much waiting, the Tigers were able to win two matches in a row with the first ending in a score of 25-10 and the second ended with a score of 26-24.

“I think (winning) was a great motivator for me and the guys,” Brammeier said. “Althoff is a very good team, and although we beat them, it showed us that we still have a lot to work on and that it will not be easy.”

And as they continue to prepare for the rest of the season ahead of them, the Tigers took on their first tournament in Joliet, Illinois on March 25-26. The boys were up against many rival teams from all over Illinois: Joliet Catholic, Metea Valley, Von Steuben, Rockford and Lincoln Way West, but they weren’t going to let the competition deter them.

After many long games and trying matches, the Tigers were able to win second place within the whole tournament. According to senior team captain Jack Grimm, this is the highest place finished in the Joliet tournament by an EHS team in history, and the Tigers were elated by their success.

“We did lose the final match at first so we were maybe a little upset at first but in the end we were thrilled,” Grimm said. “The players on the sideline were cheering like crazy… everyone was full of excitement.”

But although the boys have done exceptionally well so far in the season, they aren’t letting their guards down.

The Tiger’s next substantial tournament is on March 31-April 1 in Vianney. According to junior libero Bob Dresner, the Tigers have won second place in the tournament in the past two years, but this year they’re planning for a win.

And as the Tigers plan as a team, each player has been perfecting their skills to do their part for a successful season overall.

“I hope I can help out the team,” Dresner said. “I just want to give it my best shot and, Lord willing, things will work out.”