On Monday, May 22nd, the WA Boys’ Volleyball team took on Newton-South in the main gym at 5:30pm. Unfortunately for the boys, they couldn’t overcome the fierce attack from NS and fell 3 sets to 0.

The night started of with Head Coach Russell Coward honoring his three departing seniors. Seniors Mike Batalyan, Aaron Ewing, and Richard Wang, met their mothers with a bouquet of flowers right before the start of the game.

The first set started off with a lot of back and forth play between both teams. Both sides fought hard to give their team the edge, but neither could manage to jump out to a big lead. With strong serves from junior captain Andrew Tierney, the Ghosts were able to keep the game in hand, trailing NS just 10-8 by the time they called their first timeout.

However, soon after their first timeout, NS was able to slowly pick up some momentum and took jumped out to a 24-17 lead. Just before the first set came to a close, WA fought even harder to try and make a comeback. Despite a long rally and a great play from junior Eric Porter, NS managed to grab their final point, winning the set 25-17.

The second set started much better out much better for WA. After going down early, the Ghosts were able to bounce back and build up some momentum. Battling back from an 8-4 deficit, the boys were able to tie the game and even take a slight lead after back to back aces from Tierney. They continued to fight hard, especially after two blocks from junior Shourav Makkapati, giving the Ghosts a 14-10 lead.

However, NS would put up a strong fight and eventually rally to tie the game at 15-15. WA kept up their pressure but soon lost their lead.

The second set came to a close with NS winning it by a score of 25-23.

The third set, however, didn’t go nearly as well as the previous one. After a relatively close start and a quick lead for the Ghosts, NS battle back. They grew their lead throughout the entire set, denying the Ghosts of any chance to try and win the set.

Just before the end of the game, the crowds gave big ovations for the departing seniors, marking the end of their regular season careers at the WA gym.

However, just before NS put the game away, WA started a mini rally, putting up one last fight. Unfortunately for the boys, it wouldn’t be enough, and they fell to NS 25-12 in the final set.