After failing to bring the energy in the first set, Westfield knew they needed to bring this match against Union High School to three sets, and they did just that. In a roller-coaster match full of ups and downs, the boys volleyball team showed grit and determination, bouncing back to defeat Union, 2-1.
The match started out rough as the team seemed to lack cohesion and energy. Head coach Edward Saggio said, “We didn’t compete. That first set, we were soft.” With two of the three starting captains, seniors Matthew Bon and Ben Buckiet-Becker, already sidelined due to injuries, the team struggled and Union capitalized. Due to Westfield’s failure to keep up and close the gap during this set, the Blue Devils knew they needed to step it up.
The team refocused and picked up the energy. “The bench needed to pick up the energy, and the players on the court needed to pick up the spirit and realize we could do this and we’re here to play,” said junior Jeremiah Brooks, who was a significant factor in Westfield’s win.
The score was kept close in the second set, and Westfield followed through, taking the lead for the first time and winning the set 26-24. In the third and final set, the Blue Devils came out victorious, winning 25-21 and defeating Union 2-1 overall.
The third set was filled with tensions as the score was close the whole set and the referee made some controversial calls when it mattered most. Saggio told his players not to respond and to keep on playing, and that’s exactly what they did.
As this is a fairly new team, these early-season games are all about building bonds and strengthening the team’s chemistry. Brooks said, “Because we have a lot of new players, like juniors from JV, we’re trying to build a connection and understanding where everybody is on the court.”
Tri-captain Ethan Cha is ready to use this win as a lesson going into the next one. Cha said, “There are definitely things we could work on from that game. We’re definitely going to focus on and practice how to use that energy and continue that energy to our next game so that we can have momentum through the rest of the season.”
The Blue Devils’ next match is at home against Oratory Prep at 4:00 p.m. on April 10.
