After two consecutive sectional championships and a state championship just two years ago, Westfield is approaching dynasty territory. However, this year’s team has had to face a complete roster flip after losing a staggering nine seniors last year. Despite their adversity, the Blue Devils have still managed to go 10-6 in a highly competitive division.
Yesterday, the Blue Devils toppled the Summit Hilltoppers 2-0. Summit, being the underdog, came out hot, showing that they were looking for a statement win against Westfield. Nevertheless, the Blue Devils were able to rely on their returning stars like senior Catie Carayannopoulos to provide the spark that the team needed.
The team is built of four seniors, eleven juniors, and one sophomore. Senior tri-captain Keira Diegnan said, “It’s been tough adjusting. We definitely have some nerves, but this team has done a really good job at working together and staying positive.”
During the first set it was a neck and neck battle between the Blue Devils and Hilltoppers. Despite that, following a timeout, the Blue Devils were able to get hot at the right time giving them the push they needed to take back the first set 25-21. Head coach Beverly Torok said, “We concentrated on beating our body to the ball and being quicker.”
Energy played a large role in the Blue Devils success against Summit, but seems to be a focus for the season as a whole. Carayannopoulos said, “Energy is always a key component of the game, and we have really been focussing on team chemistry on and off the court and that really showed today.”
Once the Blue Devils found their mojo, there was no looking back. Between some powerful kills from Carayannopoulos and junior Ava Gaspard, and back to back aces from junior Emelia Dengler, the fate of the game was certain.
Torok said, “We served well and we had a couple of really good runs especially Carayannopoulos, and once we started to get our faster offense going we could really burn through them.” Westfield was able to take the second set 25-17, but it really never felt like a competition.
While this team has only spent a short amount of time together, they could be one to make waves in the county and state tournaments. The Blue Devils have all the pieces, and once they put them together, they will be a team to be feared by anyone in the state.
Westfield played Chatham today, losing from their struggle to harness that crucial energy. They will face a big Group 4 competitor, Old Bridge, away at 4 p.m on Monday.
