West Warwick Claims First Boys Volleyball Title with Victory Over Westerly

PROVIDENCE — Fans of West Warwick turned out in impressive numbers, eager to witness a historic moment for the boys volleyball team. Their enthusiastic support was evident during the championship tripleheader held at Rhode Island College on Saturday, June 6. The Wizards showcased their talent by rallying in both the first and second sets, ultimately defeating Westerly in straight sets to secure their inaugural boys volleyball championship.

The final score of 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-16) marked a significant achievement for the top-seeded Wizards (16-2), who reached the title match for the first time in the program's history. This victory came after an impressive turnaround, as they had only managed 13 wins last year following a mere five victories in the two preceding seasons. “It’s insane and it means the world,” remarked West Warwick’s Colin Kelly. “Just to show our fans, all the people here, the work we’ve done these past seasons. I’ve been here four years and to see where the program is now, it just feels great.”

West Warwick faced early challenges, trailing 10-7 in the opening set and 8-5 in the second. However, they seized the momentum with decisive runs, including a critical 7-1 surge that forced a timeout from the second-seeded Bulldogs (13-4). “It’s a blessing,” stated Michael Gallo, reflecting on the championship win. “We won the division and now we get the title with a statement to put us on the map.” Despite the Bulldogs holding a 23-19 lead in the second set, the Wizards rallied, denying five set points before Kelly’s kill sealed the victory.

Kelly, who is primarily a basketball player and committed to Dean College, acknowledged the significance of this victory in his multi-sport career. “This is probably the most fun season I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “We’re so close, I’m with these guys every day, it just comes to show that we’re a team.”

In the third set, senior Alex Osmena made a memorable impact with four consecutive aces, solidifying the Wizards' triumph. “Four straight aces, I never thought that I would have done that,” he expressed. “When I was serving, it fell off my hand perfectly.” Gallo added, “I never doubted him at all during this game. When I saw him at the line to finish the game, I got really excited.”

Throughout the season, West Warwick's only defeats were against Division I teams, Cranston West and Central Falls. They avenged one of those losses in the semifinals and had a strong showing by sweeping Juanita Sanchez in the opening round. “We couldn’t have done it without our fans,” Osmena concluded. “Every single one of our supporters, they all helped us out to win.”