Moon gets first opportunity to start, shines in sweep of Griffins

by Michael Smith


Grain Valley senior Wes Moon isn’t someone who typically gets a lot of playing time for the boys volleyball team.

He got his chance in Thursday’s matchup with Winnetonka on Senior Night at home.

Moon took advantage of his opportunity by rattling off 11 consecutive service points in the first set and he notched a team-high five aces as his performance highlighted a 25-10, 25-11, 25-15 victory against the Griffins.

Each time Moon got an ace, he drew loud cheers and excitement from his teammates. His success fueled the Eagles’ excitement as head coach Tori Squiers noted the team had an overall fun night.

“That’s what Senior Night is all about, having fun,” Squiers said. “At one point, we had all five seniors on the court. It was a lot of fun to watch.”

“That just shows the talent that is on this team. Someone who is on the bench a little bit more can still go out there and score five aces. It was fun to watch everyone celebrate his success.”

Moon’s performance took fellow senior Lane Olivarez by surprise.

“I didn’t know he had that in him,” Olivarez said. “I think he has more aces than me now.”
Moon said he was thankful for the opportunity.

“I normally don’t get to play that much, so getting to start was a different experience,” Moon said. “I have been getting a lot better at practice with serving.”

Olivarez joined in on the fun as he led the team in assists as the setter on Thursday. He even used an unorthodox move in the third set when he used the top of his head to hit the volleyball over the net, which eventually led to a point for Grain Valley (15-7).

He got the idea from a TikTok video that he watched. Squiers subbed him out of the game afterward.

“I thought it was funny and I tried to do it,” Olivarez said. “I always do it during our peppering sessions.”

Seniors Nolan Hessenius, Will Lindley and Josiah Oehlke were a part of the senior festivities, as well. Hessenius, the team’s libero, had multiple digs and even got to play at the net for the first time against the Griffins.

Oehlke was second on the team with five kills and the 6-foot-6 Lindley had a game-high 15 kills. Lindley is currently second on the team in kills on the season. He provides a strong presence for the Eagles (15-7) as a blocker and a striker at the net.

He said he has turned up his intensity after the Missouri State High School Activities Association sanctioned boys volleyball.

“There has definitely been a lot of improvement and I have taken it a lot more seriously,” Lindley said. “Before we were playing as a club team. With this year being official, it’s a big difference and I love it.”

Having Lindley at the net has made the job of Grain Valley’s setters easier, Olivarez said.

“He can hit any ball because he has such long arms,” Olivarez said. “He is just insane.”

From left, seniors will Will Lindley, Nolan Hessenius and Wes Moon all made major contributions in a 25-10, 25-11, 25-15 win over Winnetonka Thursday on Senior Night. Photo credit: Michael Smith