The Conard boys volleyball team hosted South Windsor on Wednesday in West Hartford, losing 3-1.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Liv Varellas. Photos by Daniel Quiroz

Conard High School hosted South Windsor High School for a boys varsity volleyball matchup that showcased athleticism, communication, and momentum swings across four nail-biting sets.

Set one opened with Conard’s Lucas Hartland at the service line, but an early error put South Windsor on the board first. The bobcats quickly established their presence at the net, as Adrian Mordasiewicz had an early block that forced Conard out of flow.

Conard gained points off a South Windsor service error, which would be a huge advantage for the Red Wolves later in the game.

It was clear that South Windsor’s communication and energy stood out. The Bobcats chanted loudly and huddled between every rally, whereas Conard remained reserved on the other side of the net.

South Windsor’s Derek P. placed a deep serve into the right corner, exposing an angle on Conard’s side of the court. At the net Kevin Senh and Owen Jerr proved to be a dominant blocking duo, repeatedly shutting down Conard’s attacks at net. Even with the hustle and effort from the home team, South Windsor maintained a steady 8-6 lead.

Hartland showed his versatility with a smart tip over the net to tighten the score by one. Richards from Conard utilized his height as an advantage, rising above the net for some jaw-dropping kills that tied the score 11-11.

A Conard timeout followed at 11-13, as South Windsor began to pull in the lead through consistent serves and blocks. This discipline, combined with the chemistry on the court helped the Bobcats get to a 22-17 lead. 

Despite an attempted comeback point from Hartland on the last serve of the play, South Windsor closed the set confidently, and in style with a receiving attack to win 24-14.

Set two began with South Windsor serving from the back right corner, recover by Conard’s Mikki Tumbahangphe, who made a solid hit, but was quickly double blocked from Senh and Mordasiewicz who stopped the ball at net.

Richards attempted to generate momentum in the second set with two early kills, but South Windsor responded immediately.  Despite height differences, South Windsor’s Logan Luna displayed impressive vertical abilities and placements, creating opportunities for his hitters. He is an agile player, with a high volleyball IQ.

At 7-4, Henry Drolet from Conard attempted a strong swing, but was denied again from a South Windsor block. A timeout was called from Conard and the Bobcats lead 9-4.

On set point, South Windsor’s Senh delivered a deep serve which was received by Red Wolf Jonah White – who then passed to Hartland, who set Richards a powerful swing that sailed out of bounds. South Windsor took the second set 25-14, eager to keep the streak rolling.

The third set began with a Conard service error, but Joe Fukuyama answered with a point to settle the team. After the break between sets, Conard returned to the court with renewed energy and sharper plays.

The teams consecutively traded points until South Windsor’s sequential blocks allowed them to build a 9-6 lead. Two rallies later, Richards hit with a phenomenal kill that South Windsor could not handle, bringing the score to 9-8,

With the set tightening in both score and time, Conard called a timeout with the lead at 19-18. The break worked, as Conard won three straight points through disciplined serving and strategic shot placement from Hartland and Richards.

At set point, a misplay on South Windsor’s receiving end gave Conard a final point to end the set 25-20, forcing a fourth.

The fourth set opened competitively with Conard high on the momentum from their previous set victory, and South Windsor determined to finish out the match with the same intensity as they began with.

Conard’s Hartland continued to impact every play of the game while setting transitions, aggressive serves, and good sportsmanship. However, South Windsor regained control of the match through  balancing communication, blocking, and consistent plays which had worked all game. 

South Windsor created separation in the score through a strong serving run halfway through the set. Despite Conard’s defensive hustle, the gap was proved to be too large to overcome.

South Windsor maintained the lead, finishing the fourth set and match with a victory, winning 3-1.

Conard (1-2) bounced back at home with a 3-0 win on Thursday over East Hartford, and will next host Platt on Monday, April 21 at 5 p.m.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.