Domination of the Blue Wave

Sofia Bender

Tyler Herget serves with great skill at New Canaan game on April 24. Courtesy of Dave Stewart.

With 12 athletes on the court, the intensity between Darien High School and Ridgefield High Schools boys varsity volleyball team was enormous. On April 29th at 4 pm, DHS held the boys varsity game against the strong Ridgefield tigers.

The game begins with Ridgefield serve, but quickly Darien wins the first point of the match within seconds. Tyler Herget, #8, returns the serve, and begins adding points for Darien. In minutes the score turns to 4-0 Darien. Each serve with strength, Herget continues to shock Darien fans with his incredible abilities. Darien’s score continues to increase, before the break the score is 10-0.

With a short break to regroup, both teams were ready to dominate. Ridgefield scores seconds after the first whistle, score becomes 10-1. Continuing a triumphant run, Jack Roberson, #13, raises the score to 12-1 Darien.

The adrenaline runs through each player. Suddenly, Ridgefield makes a point bringing the score to 15-2. Knowing that Darien has a huge advantage, Ridgefield may still have the chance to catch up. Nik Tinaj begins his first serve of the game, but is unable to serve over the net. This changes Ridgefields score to 22-4. Darien with an immense lead is close to winning the first match. Moments later, Darien wins the first match with an amazing score of 25-5.

After a three minute break, both teams are ready to play once again. In seconds, Darien and Ridgefield are tied with a score of 1-1.  John Barsanti, #5, serves the ball and skims the net, and unexpectedly falls on Ridgefields side of the court. Although Darien has the lead with a score of 10-2, Ridgefield scores a point when Tinaj misses the ball.

Ridgefield begins to score, but once again Herget is ready for the win. Increasing Darien’s score to 17- 8, Ridgefield continued close to their heels. Roberson and Tinaj try blocking a sudden spike over the net, but are unable to save bringing the score to 19-10. Darien successfully wins the match with a score of 25-12.

Just beginning the third match, Herget rapidly brings the score up to 2-0. On Herget’s third serve, the ball hits the net, score becomes 2-1. Minutes of intensity continue, hit one after another, the ball falls on Ridgefield’s side and victory is rejoiced for Darien has won another point, score 11-5.

As Ridgefield continues to fight for the win, Darien keeps up the heat and brings the score to 17-8. Suddenly, junior varsity player, Zarek Swetye enters the game and begins to play like a pro. The intensity continues through every second of the game, and the score is brought to 20-12.

Frank Pirone, #10, enters the court and the crowd goes wild. All at once, Darien scores once again, 22-12. Three points away from winning the match, Dairen dominates and completes the game with a score of 25-13 in the final match.

Darien had the ability to win each match with an immense lead. With dedicated Coach, Laurie LaRusso, continually strives to enhance each athletes skills.  Shown through the boys accomplishments, there is a substantial amount of commitment placed into this team. Each fan in the stands was impressed with the teams technique. To experience Darien’s boys varsity volleyball team definitely view their schedule found on the Darien High School website and enjoy another energetic achievement.