From 2017 to 2022, the Westfield boys volleyball team held an overall record of 28-45, never once achieving a winning record. Throughout that time the team went through various changes, both in coaching staff and style of play. This season the Blue Devils are undefeated, and remained so on Monday by defeating Roselle for their sixth win.
It’s been a tough couple of years for Westfield. The Blue Devils are a young program, existing for no more than six years, and have found little success in the past. It was last season that the team garnered its best record, breaking even at 12-12. Now they have shown more than just signs of life, but also signs of dominance.
The first set in Monday’s match was almost no contest for the team. Westfield quickly dominated Roselle in both skill and communication. The Blue Devils took the first set 25-7, the set lasting no longer than 15 minutes. The 7 points are the fewest Westfield has allowed in a set so far this season.
The second set was a different story. Westfield decided to pull most of its starters and give some less experienced players a chance at the court. This set was much closer. Roselle pulled out an impressive couple of points while the Blue Devils struggled with miscommunication and missed opportunities. “We had a little bit of a mental letdown as we were trying to get in kids who haven’t played a lot,” said head coach Ed Saggio.
The score was tied at 16-16 when senior co-captain Jason Billings helped the team to four consecutive points after taking the role of server. Westfield then easily carried itself to a win after senior co-captain Brayden Abo ended the match with an impressive set and fake, tricking Roselle and securing a 25-17 second-set win and another victory.
“Win No. 6 on the books, so we are looking to keep this going. Got a huge game on Friday against one of the best teams in the state so it means the world,” said Abo.
Top performers included seniors Nathan Welsh, Billings, Abo and Ben Greeley. Welsh led the team in service points, with 11, assists, with 7, and co-led in aces, with 4. Billings co-led in aces, with 4, and was second in service points, with 6. Greeley led the team in kills, with 6, and Abo finished second in assists, with 6.
“This win feels good. We were 3-12 two years ago and 12-12 last year so we are building this program,” Saggio added.
Westfield currently sits atop its division and now looks forward to facing a familiar opponent in Roselle Catholic. Westfield has won its last five matchups against Roselle Catholic and will look to win its sixth to continue the streak. The sky’s the limit for the Blue Devils, who find themselves in unfamiliar but welcome territory.
