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Unstoppable! Volleyball Completes Perfect Season; Nets CHSAA Title

The championship volleyball squad proudly displays their plaques in a team photo.

Tby Logan Wilson ’20

 

The Chaminade varsity volleyball team capped off another phenomenal championship season on Monday, May 21.  The Flyers defeated St. Francis Prep in a five-set match to claim the NCHSAA title for the second year in a row.

The Flyers had a strong first-set debut, but ultimately fell a few points short with a  25-22 loss. In the second set, the reigning champs rallied back and won by the score of 25-22.  With a defensive masterpiece, the Flyers took a one-set lead after winning the third set with a 22-11 victory.  However, St. Francis Prep persisted and evened the series in the fourth set with a 25-20 win. In the final set, the Flyers, determined to finish off their perfect season, once again delivered stellar defense and emerged victorious in the last set, 25-16.

The Flyers rejoice after defeating Saint Francis Prep in a five-set match to claim the NCHSAA title.

Throughout the match, there were a number of key contributors on both the offensive and defensive sides of the net.

Nick Aubry ’18 lunges to return a volley over the net.

On offense, Brian Noble ’18, the setter, played incredibly and distributed 51 assists to his teammates.  The attacks were spread out among the team, as John Paul Lynch ’18 racked up 20, Shawn Connell ’18 dished out 18, Nick Aubry ’18 dealt 15, and James Butler and J.T. Murphy each had 10.

On defense, the Flyers’ libero, Brendan Franco, was very consistent with his digging of serves and rotating the ball back to Brian Noble. Also, James Butler and J.T. Murphy contributed to the superb Flyers defense in tandem with their excellent efforts on offense.

The team’s success largely stemmed from their confident, focused approach on the courts.

“This year’s team enjoyed playing together, and they were not nervous about playing any team.  They had confidence in their ability to adjust to their opponents, and losing a set never got the best of them.  They had fun playing volleyball together,” said Head Coach Salvatore Trentacoste.

All season long, the Flyers were the team to beat. They cruised past the competition to post a remarkable 15-0 regular-season record.  The team’s lethal offense and stout defense swiftly guided them throughout their regular season and drove them straight through the playoff competition.  With six of the team’s seven starters graduating this year, the Flyers will look to the underclassmen to provide the drive for another electrifying championship run next year.