Westford Academy Boys’ Volleyball had a strong recovery but ended up losing to Chelmsford High School. Losing the first two sets, winning the second two, and going into a fifth set, the WA boys lost the last match to Chelmsford. With a score of 2-3, WA fought hard, and had a tight game.

Previously winning eight games, this match will be WA’s seventh loss.

The first set included some impressive digs from junior libero Eric Porter in response to CHS’s spikes. Throughout the game CHS had a strong front row with great hitters. WA lost the first set, 19-25, due to a double touch in the front row.

The second set had a close score throughout the match’s entirety, going past the usual 25 points. Junior setter Tom Burke scored for the team by tipping the ball. Ultimately CHS also won the second set 25-27.

Junior Captain Andrew Tierney remarked, “We started off really weakly, poor passing and serving and lost the first two sets in close games.”

During the third set WA got its rhythm back. The front row played well with great blocks made by juniors Shourav Makkapati, Robbie Hudson, and by senior captain Michael Baltayan. WA won its first set of the game with a score of 25-23.

With an overall great performance in the fourth set, WA had a consistent lead against CHS. Tierney spiked the ball multiple times, bringing CHS back a round.

The fifth set was the match point for the game. WA returned to its playing from the first two sets and was far behind CHS, losing 5-15. CHS’s strong hitters took a toll on WA, causing the ball to drop multiple times on WA’s side of the court.

“The fifth set was disappointing; we seemed to revert back to our poor passing and blocking,” Tierney described.

Overall WA fought hard into the fifth set and had a close game against Chelmsford. Putting up a fight, WA did not have an insignificant game.

“We showed promise but lacked consistency to win the game,” Tierney said.