The Blue Devils came out complacent, not playing their best volleyball throughout the first set, leading them to a 16-25 loss against Morristown. Although the team could have accepted this and played in an uninterested manner, they did the exact opposite. The Blue Devils rallied back, winning the second set, 25-20 and the third set, 25-23.
Head coach William Leonard said, “That first set wasn’t our best volleyball, we have been playing at a really high level and doing great things so we knew that first set just wasn’t us.” Acknowledging this slump, Leonard said, “We hit the reset button and started to focus on making some corrections and adjustments.”
Junior libero Jack Graham agreed and said, “I switched positions [after the first set] and I think it made me realize I needed to be more of a leader. [Being a libero], I’m on the court the whole time so I was definitely thinking I have to play my best.” Once Graham changed it up he added 11 digs and went two-for-two with aces from the service line.
Despite the impressive comeback, the Blue Devils struggled with taking advantage of their serving. Westfield lost points numerous times due to serves that were not hit into play.
Although Westfield struggled in this area, Leonard said, “Our ability to adapt [stood out] and I thought we hit really well in terms of finding angles and finding open space on the floor”
A consistent theme of this group is teamwork and being there for each other. Junior quad- captain, Matthew Bonn said, “Coming together as a team and having confidence in each other throughout the game helps us to come out on top.“
Even on the court, Bonn said, “Relying on each other and believing that the setters will set, hitters can get the kill, [and so on], no matter what, without second guessing.” Bonn, a standout player for the Blue Devils, tallied 11 kills, two blocks, two digs, and two service points.
The Blue Devils are back in action away against Elizabeth on April 21. The group looks to get redemption on the Minutemen whom they fell short to in a full three sets earlier this season. Graham said the team will use their aggressive hitting as seen in the final two sets of this matchup in order to succeed for the rest of the season.
