With the score at 22-16 in the second set, Westfield seemed poised to close out the match, but a missed serve gave Summit the opening they needed. The threat of a third set panged the air.
“We got too comfortable and thought we were going to win, so we put less effort into each ball,” said junior quad-captain Matthew Bonn. Summit took advantage, securing a kill and an ace in the following two rallies. This brought the score to 19-22, forcing a timeout from the Blue Devils in an attempt to regain control of the match.
“Both teams on the court, no matter who you’re playing against, want to win. If you don’t show your opponent respect and let them creep in there they can make you pay for it,” said head coach William Leonard. With the lackadaisical mindset from the Blue Devils, the Hilltoppers continued gaining momentum outside the timeout. The crowd erupted when Summit scored a block and another ace, closing the gap to 21-22.
The game’s intensity peaked during a long rally that would determine if Summit would tie the game, or if Westfield would rise to the occasion and take away any chance of a third set. Blue Devil junior Ben Bukiet-Beker, known for his aggressive play, ended the rally with an unbeatable attack from the pipe. This moment was crucial in shifting the momentum back in Westfield’s favor.
The next play, as Summit’s defense focused on covering Westfield outside-hitter Ethan Cha, senior quad-captain Keu Tanaka intelligently set junior Jack Graham on the right side for an uncontested kill. Then, Bonn delivered a block to end the set and match. Despite the late scare, Westfield held firm to take the second set 25-21 and win the match 2-0.
In comparison to the second set, the first set was a decisive victory for Westfield, winning 25-16. “In the first set our communication and energy was really high,” said Cha, a junior quad-captain. In this sport, communication leads to impressive and seamless gameplay.
Cha’s excellent serving sparked a strong momentum, while senior quad-captain Daniel Flores delivered several key digs to keep rallies alive. Senior Veer Agarwal also impressed with his court awareness, delivering a one-handed set to Bukiet-Beker, who finished it with a powerful kill, sealing the game-winning point after a lengthy rally.
Although Westfield emerged victorious, areas of their game need improvement. Bonn highlighted the need for focus on passing and blocking, noting that the team’s strengths lay in attacking and serving. “We need to be more consistent on defense and block more effectively,” said Bonn. “Our attacking and serving are strong, but we need to be more consistent at simple defense.”
Leonard agreed while reflecting on the game. “It’s all about executing the game plan, and that starts in practice. Our blocking needs work, but when we get our offense clicking, it’s tough to stop us,” said Leonard.
Westfield’s ability to recover and close out the game was a testament to their resilience and skill. As they continue to improve their blocking and passing, their attacking and serving prowess will make them a tough team to beat this season.
Westfield will play Union at 5:30 p.m. on April 7.
