Hawks make Statement, Rams take Pole Position for Week Three…
April 24th, 2022
North Kingstown walked into the gymnasium knowing that Hendricken was dangerous. What they didn’t know was that Ryan Osley would have a night, Cooper Weir would be automatic, and the Hawk’s defense would slow down their middle attack. The result was a Hendricken three set to two victory and an upset that rattled the top of the power rankings in the third week of the season.
Not long after the Hendricken match, the Hybrid (formerly known as Mount Saint Charles / North Smithfield) took East Providence’s shot and said all roads to the D-2 championship come through me. Pilgrim and West Warwick might have something to say about it, but for now, the North Mountie Men hold the cards.
La Salle (7 - 0): The Rams ascend to the top position on the mountain with North Kingstown’s falter. La Salle was pushed a little on the road at Cranston East, dropping their first set of the season. CE couldn’t push them any further, however, and with a dominant performance at East Greenwich, the Rams unblemished record paired with the recent play of Jack Johnson and Nick Lisi spells trouble for those that dare to traverse the cliffs…and in week four, NK and Chariho will take their attempt.
North Kingstown (5 - 1): Down goes the defending Champs. It was bound to happen, but the Skippers hadn’t lost a match since 2019 (though that stat is deceiving due to a missed year at the hands of the pandemic). Mason Andrade put in a 26 kill effort in Warwick and will probably need to duplicate it for their upcoming match-up with La Salle in week four on their home ice.
Hendricken (5 - 2): Hawk legacy royalty showed this week. Hendricken and Coventry are tied with state championships at eight, however the Hawks have been to more state finals then anyone. Hendricken is always in the mix and extremely dangerous. Knocking out the defending Champs, taking care of business against Classical…everyone should be concerned when the Hawks are across the net and the official beckons for serve.
Chariho (5 - 2): Rebounding from the Avenger upset, the Chargers had a good week with two, four set, victories over Classical and Coventry. Week four will be big, however, as the Chargers will test their skill and attention to detail when the Rams of La Salle come west.
East Greenwich (3 - 3): The Avengers did what they’ve done each week thus far, and that’s split. East Greenwich did earn another crucial win, however, with a three set victory over Cranston West on the road…keeping their playoff hopes on the right path. The Avengers then were kicked off the mountainous terrain at La Salle Academy by a Rams squad that hurt them with their left side attack.
Cranston East (3 - 3): With Jordan Bou still attached to the floor, the Thunder Bolts were able to cobble a split on the week. Bou, who took over libero duties, allowed CE to take a set from La Salle (their first lost set of the season), and earn a tough 3-1 victory over cross town Cranston West. Vincent Yin continues to impress at the setter position.
Coventry (3 - 4): The Oakers had a split week taking a needed win over South Kingstown, while dropping a four-set defeat to Chariho. The Charger match highlighted two of the top middle blockers in the state going at in Coventry’s Grant Ramsey and Chariho’s Matt Beaudry. Though Coventry was on the losing side of the match, Ramsey’s play was notable.
Cranston West (2 - 6): The Falcons can’t seem to catch a break. Missing both middles, CW took a tough defeat to the Avengers early in the week. Then, heading to their main rival’s den, the Falcons were unable to overcome a grounded Cranston East attack. CW needs to get fully healthy quickly to have an opportunity to claw out of the hole they’re in.
MSC / NS (4 - 0): The North Mountie Men made a statement of their own this week by halting East Providence at home. Giving the Townies their first loss, a 1-3 setback, sets the target of all D-2 squarely on the school hybrid’s shoulders. Should they be able to dispatch Pilgrim next week, all roads to the title will have to come through them.
Pilgrim (6 - 0): The Patriots did their job and upended East Providence in five to remain undefeated. This sets up a big time match up in week four as Pilgrim will take to the road to see if they can dislodge the Hybrid.
East Providence (4 - 2): The Townies had a rough week. Losing to both the Hybrid and Pilgrim in a five-day span put them solidly in third in division two. EP will need to regain their footing, and be sure to handle their business in week four, in preparation for their date with West Warwick on Friday.
West Warwick (3 - 2): Getting a huge win against Westerly apparently took something out of the Wizards as they turn around and get upset by Woonsocket in four sets. With three matches on the docket for week four, you have to think West Warwick needs at least two to stay in the hunt.
Westerly (3 - 2): Losing by a total of six points to the Wizards was a heartbreaker for the Bulldogs. Dropping set three, 34 to 32 was brutal. With back to back loses against East Providence and West Warwick, Westerly will need to pick up the pieces and tweak their game plan quickly as Pilgrim and MSC / NS are lurking in week four.
Lincoln (6 - 0): The Lions continue to control the board in the D-3 landscape. Knocking out, and off the board for this week, Johnston, Lincoln also dispatched Mt. Hope to maintain a clean sheet. Tyler Dickinson has been the top weapon in the Lion’s charge to the top.
St. Raphael Academy (5 - 1): The Saints march onto the board with five consecutive wins after a five set loss to start the season vs. Lincoln. With Moses Meus and Andre DePina-Grey scoring points by the bucketful, St. Rays looks to be factor in deciding the D-3 crown. There is a solid article written about the Saints in the ProJo this past Friday. Well worth your time to read.