Centaurs looking forward to 2nd season in boys' volleyball
The maiden voyage for the Woodstock Academy boys’ volleyball team last spring produced some good results.
A 10-12 record, good enough to make the state tournament and a win in the Connecticut Volleyball League tournament.
“That record was fantastic; I was happy with that,” said coach Adam Bottone.
There is another silver lining to that. Although the Centaurs lost seven players to graduation including Aiden Finch who led the team with 163 kills, the cupboard is far from bare.
That’s because four of those starters who return are just sophomores.
“This year, we have a lot more experience than we did last year,” said Libero Christian Hart. ”We don’t have as much height, but a lot more experience.”
Hart was solid in the back as he accounted for 244 digs and his classmates, outside hitter Brayden Bottone (102 kills), middle hitter Owen Budd (83 kills) and setter Jake Henderson (368 assists) also return in key spots.
The familiarity between the group members is also a plus. “It’s nice to have that friendship and come back into the sport where we can build upon it and learn from each other,” Budd said. The schedule is not as much of a hoot, however. After the Centaurs open with a league game on the road against neighboring rival, Putnam, at 11 a.m. Saturday, they have a very difficult stretch as they travel to Glastonbury and Farmington before hosting South Windsor next Friday in their home opener.
Woodstock has only two seniors this year with Nate Billings and Kevin Yu coming back.
The Centaurs also have a newcomer to the program as Chernik should find a hitter’s role. Weston Mission has moved up from junior varsity and will either relieve Henderson at setter, or one could move up to a hitter’s role or the Centaurs could elect to experiment with two setters.
The coach said the team is working most on its serve/receive. A lot of his players have been working with the jump/attack serve which can be effective but also can be a much easier ball for the defense to pass. He’s been working with the team on trying to keep up the aggression while, at the same time, keeping the ball in play.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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caption:
Libero Christian Hart (left) and middle hitter Owen Budd. Photo by Marc Allard.