Week Seven - Skippers Own the Waters…
May 22nd, 2022
North Kingstown had to feel a little trepidation when then arrived at port for their match-up with La Salle. The Rams dismantled them at their home and foes have not done well in Providence to this point. History was to be damned this night, however, as NK came to the court with purpose and played at a level that totally bewildered the Rams. Mason Andrade was excellent as the Skippers kept pressure on the error filled Rams from start to finish. Before La Salle knew what was happening, the Skippers had won the match and reclaimed the top spot in the power rankings.
Of course, the Skippers were not done… They then hosted the talented Chariho Chargers and dispatched them in three sets. Mason Andrade also set the all-time single season kill record for North Kingstown High School. Considering all the talent that has come through the North Kingstown volleyball system, this was an outstanding achievement for Mr. Andrade. With playoffs right around the corner, North Kingstown is again at the top of the mountain.
North Kingstown (12 - 2) - The Skippers reclaim the top spot as they went to La Salle’s barn and grabbed a victory. Truth be told, NK should have swept the Rams, but faltered late in set two. Otherwise, NK was in control from start to finish. Add that the Chargers came North to play and were turned away quickly…it’s a big week to be a Skipper. With one week to go before playoffs, NK is in position to defend their crown.
La Salle (13 - 2) - The Rams split on the week, but the big news was their level hosting North Kingstown. La Salle made a ton of errors in that match and at times looked as if the lights were too bright for them. The real bright spot for them in that match was Ephraim Abhulime. The sophomore middle scored at will and his block dissuaded plenty of attempts from the hot Skipper attackers. Cranston East is their final game of the regular season, and the Rams will want to have a clean performance there going into the playoffs.
Chariho (13 - 4) - The Chargers can’t seem to figure out NK. Two matches, two of the same results. The Skippers have a way of drawing errors out of left side attackers and unfortunately Tyler White was not immune. With one more match before playoffs, the Chargers will look to avenger their loss earlier in the season to East Greenwich. From there, the question will be can Tyler White and Matt Beaudry score enough to get them to Rhode Island College.
Cranston East (10 - 5) - The Thunderbolts are on a five-match winning streak heading into the final week of the regular season. CE really has only one signature win, knocking off Hendricken. They’ll see Hendricken again this week and should be able to control the Hawks who are nursing a damaged wing. Finishing off their regular season at La Salle, the Thunderbolts will look to upend one of the top three before going into the playoffs.
Hendricken (10 -6) - The Hawks are in the second week without starting outside Matt Brock and they’re feeling the strain. Ryan Osley and Evan Dion are trying to supplement the offensive load, but it’s been extremely challenging. The silver lining is Brian Garrepy Jr. has been forced to attack the ball at the setter position significantly more and that’s going to come in handy come playoff time. It’s hoped Brock will be back for the “win or go home” week, but what shape he’ll be in is anyone’s guess.
East Greenwich (7 -8) - The Avengers finally got that signature win they were looking for since they upset Chariho at the beginning of the season. Taking down Hendricken in four was big and has given them confidence going into the final week of the season. If they take two of three, playoffs may be a possibility at 9-9. Assuming Brayden Stanger’s arm is still on…no one has taken more swings on the season then Brayden, Mason Andrade, and Tyler White…the Avengers will have good opportunities for wins this final week of the season.
MSC / NS (15 - 0) - Well, the North Mountie Men went through the toughest week D2 had to offer in 2022 and came out the other end unscathed. East Providence was able to take a set and Westerly pushed them to five, but in the end the result still hung in the Hybrid’s favor. Connor DeSousa put up 22 kills in the win against the Bulldogs and has been the top weapon in D2. Having taken everyone’s best in D2 without an scratch, can the Hybrid finish the job and execute when the lights are brightest?
Coventry (6 - 9) - The snake bit Oakers continued to have their issues, missing pieces in matches and dropping sets where it looks like everything is going their way. Losing to a hurt Hendricken squad in four at home was sort of a microcosm of their season. They were missing a guy, battled and was in position to win, but still ended up taking the loss. There is still belief that with their correct starting six, things could come together, but time is short, and playoffs are all but here.
East Providence (13 - 3) - It’s looking like the Townies are going to finish second behind the Hybrid. With two matches left in the regular season, EP can bounce into the playoffs with a 15-3 record and keep their eyes on a hopeful championship date with the North Mountie Men. West Warwick could throw a small wrench in the works, but it shouldn’t be enough to change things. The Townies will need good work from Grant Wosencroft and Brett Schwab to finish this final week of the regular season without a loss.
Westerly (11 - 5) - The Bulldogs are playing their best volleyball at the proper time. Over the past two weeks, they’ve had two losses, to the Hybrid and to EP, both in five sets. Otherwise, they’re winning the rest of the games including their match against Pilgrim. With the Patriots on the docket for the last week, Dante Wilk and Jackson Ogle will need to bring it. With both Westerly and Pilgrim at 11-5, their match at Westerly’s home may decide the third playoff position and who sees the Hybrid.
Pilgrim (11 - 5) - The Patriots had back-to-back losses last week, dropping a three-set defeat to the North Mountie Men and then a four-set loss to East Providence. This makes the match at Westerly huge, as there is no question that third place is better than fourth in this scenario. Should they hand the Bulldogs a loss at their home, the Patriots will likely enjoy seeing cross town rival West Warwick in the playoffs and let Westerly deal with the Hybrid.
West Warwick (9 - 6) - The Wizards got two key wins last week as they were able to dispatch Barrington and Woonsocket. Sitting fifth, WW will have to figure out a way to knock off the top four in D2, as their record against them is only 2 - 4. Thomas Mackin and Evan Lafernaye will have to be on point this last week as the North Mountie Men and East Providence are on the docket for the final week. If the Wizards can pull an upset, confidence abound for the playoffs will be ensured.
Cranston West (4 - 12) - The Falcons have not won a match in the month of May, and it’s become clear that they are just playing out the side. With North Kingstown and East Greenwich finalizing their season, CW is still dangerous with Chris Buonaccorsi on the left. Can the Falcons embrace the role of spoiler and hurt the seeding of NK or possibly EG?
Lincoln (13 - 0) - The Lions took the Panthers best shot and didn’t flinch. This now means, short of a catastrophe, Lincoln will finish the regular season undefeated. An outstanding accomplishment to be sure, but the playoffs will be the final test. Johnston and St. Rays are out there lurking. It’ll be interesting to see if Lincoln can run the table especially when every play has the possibility of finality next week.
Johnston (12 - 2) - Certainly, the Panthers would love to have their match back with Lincoln. Getting swept was not on the game plan. However, Johnston needs to turn the page quickly as their final match in the regular season has St. Rays looking to cause some issues. If St. Rays wins out and beats Johnston on the final match of the regular season, the two teams could be seeded by points. Whoever is third by the points would see Lincoln early as opposed to in the finals and neither teams wants that.
ResV Systems Player of the Year Candidates:
Tyler White (Chariho - Sr.) - White has more kills and more swings than anyone in the state. 5.7 kills per set. .260 hitting %.
Mason Andrade (North Kingstown - Sr.) - Has set the NKHS single season kill record. 4.5 kills per set. .290 hitting %.
Jordan Bou (Cranston East - Sr.) - Has strung together a bunch of big games (20+ kills) in a row. Played lib at a high level as well.
Connor DeSousa (MSC/NS - So.) - Top offensive weapon in D2. Had 22 kills most recently in a five-set match vs. Westerly.
Ryan Osley (Hendricken - Sr.) - Has been the steady hand for the Hawks. 3.0 kills per set. .260 hitting %.
ResV Systems Defensive Player of the Year Candidates:
Matt Beaudry (Chariho - Sr.) - Arguably the top middle blocker in the state. Has 53 total blocks. .9 blocks per set.
Greg Bousquet (La Salle - Sr.) - Having a career year. Has amassed 64 blocks on the season. 1.2 blocks per set.
Ryan Harrington (North Kingstown - Fr.) - Has come on strong late. Had 17 digs in the match vs. La Salle. Has 130 digs in 40 sets.
Tison Her (Classical - Sr.) - Makes spectacular plays and has been a key reason his team competes. Averages 15 digs per match.
Brendan Pendergast (La Salle - Sr.) - Has been the dig specialist for the Rams. Has 161 digs in 44 sets, averaging 3.7 digs per set.
ResV Systems Setter of the Year Candidates:
Matt Tiernan (Chariho - Jr.) - Makes everything go for the Chargers. Has 606 assists on the year, averaging 9.2 assists per set.
Vincent Yin (Cranston East - Sr.) - Has been next level this year. On the average, getting around 7 to 8 assists per set.
Brian Garrepy Jr. (Hendricken - Jr.) - With injuries, has had to score more than a setter should. Has 518 assists and 103 kills.
Max Silverman (East Greenwich - So.) - Has had to be creative as options are limited. Still averaging 7.6 assists per set.
Tyler Yang (North Kingstown - Jr.) - Has been steady all year while improving each month. Has 613 assists and a 10.2 aps.
ResV Systems Rookie of Year Candidates:
Logan Voelker (Coventry - So.) - Been a bright spot for the Oakers all year. Is big, physical, and has been the gun from the beginning.
Ephraim Abhulime (La Salle - So.) - Has improved immensely from the start of the year. Big middle who scores with ease now.
Ryan Harrington (North Kingstown - Fr.) - Was so good, they couldn’t keep him hidden anymore. Digs everything and has a tough serve.
Matt Brock (Hendricken - Jr.) - Basketball guy transitioning to volleyball guy and has been an impact player. Will have over 100 kills before the year is out.
Cam Alexander (North Kingstown - Sr.) - Getting his first varsity minutes as a senior, Alexander has held his own when most thought he’d crumble. Has 171 kills and averaging 3.2 kills per set.