Undefeated Falcons rebounding for championship run

By Jacob Marrocco
Posted 5/5/16

The frustration was visible on the faces of Cranston West’s boys’ volleyball team last season after its five-set, Division II semifinal defeat at the hands of rival Cranston East.

How it would …

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Undefeated Falcons rebounding for championship run

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The frustration was visible on the faces of Cranston West’s boys’ volleyball team last season after its five-set, Division II semifinal defeat at the hands of rival Cranston East.

How it would have fared against eventual state champion North Smithfield is up for debate, but the fact it never got the chance to find out hung around into this season.

Now, the Falcons (9-0) haven’t lost a set yet this season, and they look unbeatable on the court behind a strong senior core. This notion was reinforced Friday night when the Falcons went into a hostile road environment at East and swept the 6-2 ’Bolts in straight sets, 25-21, 25-13 and 25-19. It was just another game on the schedule, but for the Falcons it felt nice to get a little revenge.

“It was a good way to bounce back, bitter rivals,” Cranston West senior captain Ryan Murphy said. “Last year, we had three games against them and they all were great. It felt good to finally get a good win in this one, swept them on their home court.”

The third set would be a test of West’s mettle after cruising to take a 2-0 lead. Between Isaiah Monteiro’s kills and West shots out of bounds, East had an 8-3 lead with the crowd growing raucous.

From that point on, though, the Falcons hit their stride and silenced the supporters. West ripped off a 14-2 run to jump out in front 20-11, holding off the ’Bolts to secure the sweep.

“Third set we were playing hard, and they kind of came back,” West senior captain Ben Mattiello said. “I mean, it sucks, but we gotta keep fighting. It was tough, but we definitely got the job done.”

West head coach Roger Tow said the difference this year has been an improved offense. Instead of hinging solely on the play of David Anthony like last season, the Falcons have a bevy of reliable seniors to “spread the offense.”

“Last year, we pretty much did rely on David, this year we had to match up in the middle,” Tow said. “Our middles really should have controlled the game, but our passing wasn’t as crisp as I wanted. I don’t mind winning in three, but I know some of my guys looked fatigued in Game 3, so Game 4 or 5 I’d like to see what would happen.”

Much like that North Smithfield team that coasted to a Division II title a year ago, West rolls out a lineup primarily composed of seniors. Murphy and Mattiello lead the charge along with fellow senior captain Matthew Sepe, who Mattiello said has taken over as the floor general.

“He’s an awesome player, and he’s always someone you can rely on,” Mattiello said. “He’s definitely the one.”

Outside hitters Andrew Albro and Christian Martinelli, who shined against East, also help set the tone for the Falcons. West also has veteran setters in Jamey Campopiano and Joseph Accetta. Junior middle back Brett Bucci has also come through in the clutch this season.

That battle-tested group has been integral to West taking control of Division II-South. The ’Bolts are the closest in the standings, and on the court, to the Falcons, but they sit 2 1/2 games behind in second place. On the other side, in Division II-North, Central reigns supreme with an unblemished 8-0 record and just one set lost all season.

However, Central suffered a non-league, five-set loss to Cranston East on April 18. As the season progresses, it looks more likely that a Central-Cranston West finals could be in the offing.

“Yeah, they’re undefeated on their side,” Murphy said. “Cranston East beat them in five sets, so they’re definitely good. East played us very good, so [Central]’ll be a tough game if we get to play them.”

According to the captains, West’s camaraderie and communication on the court sets it apart from the rest of Division II. The family mentality has helped fuel the Falcons’ desire to win, as well.

“We all hang out, we all have fun together,” Mattiello said. “It’s not about just winning, it’s about having fun with each other. That’s what sets us apart.”

“We’re rolling right now,” Murphy said. “No one can stop us. To get a sweep against [East], that’s big for our team. I don’t think anyone can stop us now.”

Momentum will be key if West wants to keep the rest of Division II at bay down the road. Despite having not lost a set yet during this campaign, the Falcons are still going about business as usual.

Mattiello said the team feels no pressure, while Sepe added the now-27 consecutive sets won drive the Falcons to “keep playing the way we are.”

West would be wise to continue playing the way it has been, as its torrid start has helped it emerge as the favorite in Division II. The undefeated record thus far is secondary, though, as West’s ultimate goal is to hoist a championship trophy at Brown later this spring.

“Oh, I definitely think so,” Murphy said of a potential title run. “I think we have what it takes to get all the way.”

“I’m not gonna jinx anything, but we’re definitely gonna work hard for it,” Sepe said.

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