Despite falling short in the North, Group 4 sectional semifinals, Westfield finished with a record of 20-8, making this the most successful season the team has ever had. After finishing 3-13 two years ago, the Blue Devils completely changed the image of their program and have proven that they are winners.
“This season has set a standard for Westfield volleyball as a program,” said senior Brayden Abo. “We are no longer a team filled with inexperienced players. This program will only continue to grow, and I have no doubt that this team will accomplish great things in the future.”
Westfield started off hot, jumping out to an impressive 8-0 record. During this run, the team pulled off five two-set wins, exemplifying its early-season domination.
The team then cooled off, winning two of its next four, with losses to 15-8 Ridge and 18-6 Millburn. Despite losing these two matches, the Blue Devils held their heads high, as the two teams they lost to were exceptional competitors.
After winning three more matches, the Blue Devils went 5-5 in their last 10, with notable losses to 22-6 Summit (twice), 17-9 Bloomfield and 18-7 Bridgewater-Raritan. Despite these losses, the Blue Devils defeated 11-6 East Orange and 23-3 Passaic Tech in the first round and quarterfinals of the sectional tournament. Unfortunately, the magical run was put to an end with a loss to Bloomfield in the semifinals.
“Although we fell short, I’m very proud of how far we managed to go in the state tournament this year,” said Abo. “Being able to finish 20-8 coming off of a 12-12 record last season was incredible and meant a lot to the program.”
The Blue Devils finished 12-2 in the Union County Conference, the best record in school history.
During their ride to the semifinals, the Blue Devils became a family. “With all of the practicing and games played, a lot of very close and strong bonds were created,” Abo stated. “Sports do a great job of connecting people you may have never envisioned yourself being friends with, and this team was a perfect example of that.”
Despite the semifinal loss, the Blue Devils were thrilled with the huge jump the program made. The upperclassmen set the tone for the underclassmen, and head coach Ed Saggio should help lead the boys to success in the 2023-24 season.
The Blue Devils will only grow stronger, as they have eight returning players.
“Winning 20 games, we set the bar for the next group coming through,” said Saggio following the loss to Bloomfield.
