Kill after kill, dig after dig, assist after assist; Westfield had a dominant 2-0 win against Dickinson as teamwork and communication took over, with each Blue Devil finding their way to the substitution line for at least one rally. Both sets moved quickly and swiftly as Westfield ended the match in two. The first set was won 25-17, and an even more impressive second set, 25-12.
With junior Ava Gaspard and senior Catie Carayannopoulos at the net, who tallied 9 and 10 kills, respectively, the rallies did not last long. However, the Rams stayed afloat early in the first set with their scrappiness and hustle.
Specifically, the score was tied 8-8, and the fight to 9 felt like the game-winning point of a hypothetical tie-breaking third set. The spectators’ necks must have gotten sore from the back-and-forth as senior Alicia Valladares, the Dickinson libero, dug up a storm, finishing the game with 11 digs.
Senior Maddy Coen, who tallied 2 kills, said this win “was very rewarding.” She said, “Our season had some low points, but we have really battled those in practice and came out strong.”
The team also celebrated Senior Day, recognizing Coen, Carayannopoulos, tri-captain Sabrina Muller and tri-captain Keria Deignan. Carayannopoulos has been on the team for three years, Deignan and Muller for two, and Coen for one. Each senior adds a dynamic and beneficial aspect to the team that will be greatly missed next year.
Caryannopoulos said, “I have learned to love the sport of volleyball through this team and program. All the teams I’ve been on, past and present, are so special and have shown me the significance of teamwork and dedication.”
Westfield was on point with their communication as a team during the match. Head coach Beverly Torok emphasized that the goal for this season has been “working together.” On Monday, Westfield proved just that, Torok said, “It’s great to see that cohesion before the most important few weeks and games of the season.”
Looking ahead, the state tournament will be the final test to the group’s dynamism and chemistry. Westfield looks to reclaim their Group 4, Section 2, title for the third year in a row. Entering the tournament, Torok said, “We are the top seed in our section, we are hoping to prove that correct.”
Carayannopoulos said this dominant win will “keep [the team] active and focused at practice” as they enter the “win or go home” phase of their season. Coen emphasized this as well and said, “This is going to push us forward and really get us ready to come out strong in the state tournament.”
Before the state tournament begins, the Blue Devils will play at Hillsborough tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. for one last regular season game. Coen is confident that “[the team] will keep getting better and improving” for the remainder of the season.
