For the first time in program history, the WHS Boys Volleyball team defeated the SPF Raiders. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Blue Devils won the third set off a failure from the Raiders to get the serve over the net.
The first set began hot with Westfield gaining an early lead. Senior Ben Bukiet-Beker dominated with multiple kills, helping to secure the first set. Bukiet-Beker said, “Our execution today was really good. We had a lot of kills and great blocking which both helped contribute to us winning two sets and keep the second set close.”
The second and third set were both action packed. The set quickly started with SPF in the lead with their precise serving. Adding to that, the referees made some questionable calls that got both sides of the bench riled up. SPF continued their lead for the majority of the set. Bukiet-Beker said, “SPF is such a big rival and, since we have never won against them before, it makes it even that more important to all of us that we have a strong mentality and play our best.” SPF defeated WHS in the second set 25-18.
The third set stayed relatively steady for its entirety. Both teams were playing hard and strategically to claim the win. Westfield was successful with their passing, finding open teammates to spike and hit over the net securing points on the scoreboard. The thing that brought the team to victory was blocking. Coach Edward Saggio said, “We have been working on blocking all year. It is the weakest part of our game, but today we blocked well which helped limit SPF’s points.”
The set continued to go back and forth as each team had points of being in the lead. Finally, Westfield created a gap in the scoreboard with their amazing communication on the court. Sophomore Gunner Gaspard said, “The production on the passing and hitting was great today. It was a huge contributor to our win.” The Blue Devils won the third set 25-19.
The crowd and team was ecstatic as they have now set a standard for the program and secured a win against our rival. The team will be back in action tomorrow at 5:30 at home against Plainfield.
