Westfield’s Manny Colob attempts to split the Ludlow defense. (Photo by Chris Putz)
LUDLOW – Often times, people are told to take a good look in the mirror. Well, on Monday, what the Westfield High School boys’ volleyball team saw was their identical match.
Westfield and Ludlow waged a thrilling battle, matching speed, agility, and big play ability, especially during the middle two games. After slugging it out for three games the Lions (7-1) pulled away in the fourth for a 25-17, 23-25, 27-25, 25-15 victory.
For the Bombers (7-1), it was their first loss the season.
After stumbling a bit trying to gain a foothold inside the doors of the Ludlow High gymnasium, Westfield quickly recovered to post a thrilling 25-23 victory in the second game. The Bombers shook off 10 ties and overcame two late one-point deficits.
“We settled into the match,” Westfield coach Tyler Wingate said. “Maybe we were nervous against a good opponent. We were able to get in our rhythm offensively and defensively (in Game 2).
The nail-biter continued in Game 3.
Both teams remained tied nearly every step of the way in the third game – 17 times, in fact – before advancing to the final frame with a 27-25 win. Ian Wolski kept Westfield close, delivering several of his 19 total kills; Andy Jacques (28 assists, 14 digs) had a key ace clip the top of the net and trickle to the floor; and C.J. McMahon (5 kills, 6 digs) contributed a big kill, but Ludlow scored the final two points to advance.
In the fourth game, Ludlow raced out to a 4-0 lead. Westfield rallied to within one point three times (5-4, 8-7, and 9-8), but it was the closest the Bombers would come.
Wingate said he thought his team let down after failing to win the third game. Westfield will not have much time to shake the memories of that heartbreaking set – the Bombers return to the court Tuesday night against unbeaten Agawam (10-0), who delivered Ludlow its lone loss.
