Games are supposed to be all about having fun.

But the goal is not to let having fun affect the way you play. Payton learned that Wednesday in the first game of its sweep of Lincoln Park. The Grizzlies recovered to defeat the Lions 25-16, 25-7 in the Public League semifinals at Northside Wednesday afternoon.

“Sometimes we have too much fun and we lose a little bit of concentration,’’ said Kheperah Ray. “But when we even the two out, you see how good we can be.’’

The dominance Payton can showcase was seen at the end of the first set and throughout the entire second. Payton (22-7) went on a 7-0 run to end the first set and started the second on an 8-1 spurt. The Grizzles included a 10-0 surge midway through the second set, extending their 14-5 lead to 24-5 and putting the match out of reach for Lincoln Park (10-14).

“We started to talk better in the second set,’’ said senior setter/outside hitter Alex Bresler. “We weren’t communicating that well, especially in the first portion of the first set. We changed it up though.’’

“When we talk, we’re a better team,’’ added Ray. “Volleyball is all about communication, knowing what’s going on. When we have it, we’re good.’’

Earl Schultz had nine kills for Payton, while Bresler added eight.

With the win, Payton advances to play Young in the city finals at UIC Friday at 5:30. The meeting is a rematch of last year’s title tilt, which was won by Young. Payton won the teams’ only match this season April 2 in three sets.

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