ADAMS TWP — The Mars boys volleyball team got off to a rough start in its section clash with Deer Lakes on Tuesday, dropping a 32-30 decision in the first set.

The result could have deflated the Planets, but instead, it lit a fire under them.

Mars rebounded by winning the next three sets — 25-14, 25-20 and 25-18 — to move its section record to 6-1.

“We played them earlier this season and beat them 3-1 that night, too,” said Planets coach Mike Nypaver. “But I thought both teams played better tonight.”

The Planets’ immediate play after losing the first set was crucial and they responded by opening up a 6-1 lead in the second. Junior middle hitter Ryan Ceh tallied seven of his 21 kills in that set to pace the Planets’ effort.

“He’s one of the most aggressive middles in our section and the whole WPIAL,” Nypaver said. “When he’s rolling, we’re doing well.

“He’s has the talent to play in college and that’s big for a Double-A school like us.”

While Ceh led the way, his teammates were right behind him with clutch efforts of their own.

Deer Lakes led halfway through the third set before Conor Tomcik, Tyler Raabe and Liam Quinn each dropped kills of their own. Tomcik tallied a late block and Derek Piatek’s kill put the Planets up two sets to one.

Mars #2 Colton Riska digs the ball against Deer Lakes in WPIAL Class 2A Boys Volleyball game at Mars. The Planets won 3-1 on Tuesday May 2, 2023.. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle

“After that first set, I think we started getting better swings on the ball,” said Tomcik, the team’s lone senior. “We started getting smarter with our shots.”

The third set saw Mars pull away early and build a 21-11 edge. The Lancers later managed to secure six of seven points to force Mars into a timeout before kills from Ceh and Tomcik finished the job.

Mars #4 Kyler Robinson celebrates a point by #8 Liam Quinn against Deer Lakes in WPIAL Class 2A Boys Volleyball game at Mars. The Planets won 3-1 on Tuesday May 2, 2023. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

“I thought our defense was good tonight,” Nypaver said. “Our passing was lacking at times, but we refocused to get some side-outs in big situations.”

Tomcik and Raabe both had 10 kills in the win.

Deer Lakes (4-9, 1-6) is usually looking to strengthen its playoff position at this point in the season, but the Lancers find themselves playing for pride. Evan Rothrauff paced the team with 17 kills against the Planets.

Mars’ Derek Piatek spikes the ball against Ryan Sandor of Deer Lakes during Tuesday’s section boys volleyball match. The Planets defeated the Lancers 3-1. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

“The effort is there,” said Deer Lakes coach Devin Reiher. “We do a lot of things well in practice, but it doesn’t always convert to games.”

Mars #2 Colton Riska celebrates a point against Deer Lakes in WPIAL Class 2A Boys Volleyball game at Mars. The Planets won 3-1 on Tuesday May 2, 2023.. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle

Mars will on Thursday travel to Latrobe, which accounted for the Planets’ lone section loss this season.

Mars #2 Colton Riska celebrates a point against Deer Lakes in WPIAL Class 2A Boys Volleyball game at Mars. The Planets won 3-1 on Tuesday May 2, 2023. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle