Westfield started the season off 8-0. This perfect run could not last forever, though, as Westfield has lost two of its last five games. Eager to get back on a hot streak, the Blue Devils came into Monday’s game against Plainfield looking to dominate.
Westfield set the tone within minutes in the first set. Kills from Ben Greeley and Benjamin Bukiet-Beker allowed the Blue Devils to take an early lead. The Cardinals decided to call a timeout after going down 16-10, a decision that would lead to their demise. For Westfield in the first set, defense was improved, there was better passing and setters were linking up with the hitters a lot more.
The Blue Devils came out of the timeout on fire, going on a 9-2 run. Key plays from Greeley and Jason Billings ended the first set. Westfield had won, 25-12. The Blue Devils have won 11 out of 14 first sets this season (79 percent).
“In the first set our defense was solid, we made good passes and were able to link up with our hitters,” said Logan Shepherd.
This domination continued throughout the second set for Westfield.
“We played with a lot more energy than we did Saturday. We passed well and swung a lot better today,” said coach Ed Saggio.
Billings started off the second set with a kill, energizing the crowd. Possessing all of the momentum, it seemed as if the Blue Devils could not be stopped. A kill from Shepherd led to a 10-3 lead.
After going up 14-6, the Cardinals made a late push, cutting the deficit to 6. The Blue Devils were able to counter this push with their phenomenal defense. “We put up a better block in this game,” said Saggio. “We haven’t been very good at that lately. I watched the tape on Saturday and the blocking wasn’t very good. It was a lot better today,” he added.
The Blue Devils were able to close out the match in the second set with a score of 25-15 thanks to a plethora of kills and successful defensive formations.
Greeley led the team with 7 kills, Billings totaled 6 and Nathan Welsh led the team in service points with 9.
Westfield takes on Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Wednesday, which is ranked No. 2 in N.J. The Raiders are 16-1 with their only loss to Old Bridge.
“After losing to Millburn this weekend, this game reignited the passion in the team, and we will be able to carry this over for next game,” Shepherd said. “This is a very important win as it will keep the team motivated.”
