The Conard High School boys volleyball team hosted East Hartford on Thursday night in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Kelly Fleischmann. Photos by Jose Daniel Israel Quiroz

Conard and East Hartford were both 0-2 going into Thursday night’s game in West Hartford.

The Red Wolves were looking to improve their record this season, considering their historic undefeated season last year that was led by seniors Tristan McClay, Rafael Ortiz, and Aidan Plamondon, who have since graduated. Not to mention, last year the Red Wolves received the honor of being awarded the “Most outstanding team of the year.” With big shoes to fill, Conard’s current seniors are working hard to make their last season great. 

Conard huddle. Conard vs. East Hartford Boys’ Volleyball. April 9, 2026. Photo credit: Kelly Fleischmann

The Red Wolves came out strong in the first set, with Conard’s offense being dominated by middle hitter, No. 13 Tyler Richards, and setter, No. 9, Lucas Hartland. Last year, as a junior, Hartland was the only player on the Red Wolves’ team to receive First-Team All-State.

With the score being 6-0, with the Red Wolves in the lead, East Hartford finally managed to sneak through Conard’s tough defense, scoring three points. The Red Wolves continued to stay in the lead, with the Hornets’ defense lacking. However, No. 15 Gidion Nsiah for East Hartford managed to successfully block one of Richard’s powerful kills. 

Jonah White looking for a dig. Conard vs. East Hartford Boys’ Volleyball. April 9, 2026. Photo credit:  Jose Daniel Israel Quiroz

Hartland continued to demonstrate what makes him such a good player, with his continued accurate sets to Richards and set dumps, securing the Red Wolves’  lead in the first set. The Hornets called a timeout with the score being 20-10, but their timeout proved to be unhelpful for the outcome of the set, with Conard scoring five more points, and winning the first set 25-10. 

Lucas Hartland setting. Conard vs. East Hartford Boys’ Volleyball. April 9, 2026.  Photo credit:  Jose Daniel Israel Quiroz

Setting the tone for the next set, Conard secured the first three points. East Hartford struggled to communicate on the court, leading to points gained for the Red Wolves. No. 25 Danny Hurst kept the rally alive with a spectacular pancake save, which set the stage for No. 8 Kehari Walker and No. 15 Gidion Nsiah to secure the point with a stuffed block for the Hornets.

Block by the Red Wolves. Conard vs. East Hartford Boys’ Volleyball. April 9, 2026.  Photo credit:  Jose Daniel Israel Quiroz

The Hornets managed to keep this set slightly more competitive than the last. Trailing by just three, the Hornets had successful plays by multiple members of the team, such as senior No. 9, Ethan Lopez, who caught the defense off-guard with a dump to score for the Hornets. Conard’s defense eventually tightened up, with Hartland and Richards having successful blocks. Down by eight, East Hartford called a timeout, but once again, the Red Wolves came out from the timeout strong, winning the set by 11 points, 25-14.

Joey Fukuyama serving. Conard vs. East Hartford Boys’ Volleyball. April 9, 2026. Photo credit: Jose Daniel Israel Quiroz

The game took a turn in favor of East Hartford, with the Hornets being up by three at the start of the third. Upon regaining the serve, Conard senior Joey Fukuyama delivered an ace, which switched the momentum of the game back to the Red Wolves. Conard’s No. 12, Max Music, also had successful serves with an ace, followed by Hartland’s tap over and point for the Red Wolves, tying the game up 9-9. The lead continued to go back and forth until Richards once again showed his dominance with multiple kills, blocks, and aces, putting the Red Wolves in the lead. Conard’s Libero, Jonah White, also helped the team with multiple successful digs. 

Lucas Hartland serving. Conard vs. East Hartford Boys’ Volleyball. April 9, 2026. Photo credit: Jose Daniel Israel Quiroz

Under the pressure, however, cracks in Conard’s defense began to show. The Red Wolves allowed East Hartford to gain on them, leading to a tie at 19-19, when Conard called a timeout. The Hornets were determined to win this set to allow them to have a chance to win the game, but they fell short. After being tied 22-22, East Hartford slipped up on offense and defense, putting the score at 24-22. On the game point, Hartland perfectly set up Richards, allowing him to pick up the kill, winning the game for the Red Wolves. 

Tyler Richards serving. Conard vs. East Hartford Boys’ Volleyball. April 9, 2026. Photo credit: Jose Daniel Israel Quiroz

Conard (1-2) next host Southington on Monday, April 21, at home. The Red Wolves are hoping to carry the momentum from their win against the Hornets when matching up against the Blue Knights.

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.