By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
A team that will go down in history, a team that has power, and grit that knows how to find a way to win every single match. The Needham boys’ volleyball team have proven themselves time and time again of why they hold the state title and last Thursday, was no different. After having a record-breaking season, going undefeated, the Rockets continued their winning streak all the way up to the division one state championship competing against Newton North, where they won their third-straight state championship title.
Head coach Dave Powell shared his excitement with a sense of weight lifted off his shoulders having to upkeep the pressure of the match.
“I mean having won 71 or 72 before, there was pressure, people talked about it consistently. It’s something you can’t block out, and it’s challenging in its own way. To be able to finish it off like this, it’s special, all of it is special. They all feel great, we used everything we had,” said Powell.
The dedication and grit the boys have is undeniable as in each set they came together to withhold the challenging advances of Newton North. Pushing to secure a win in the of all three sets, Newton North was no match for the Rockets defense.
“They work really hard they are very good athletes; it feels really good. This is probably the best they have played as a program and a team at the state championship. Newton North is a very good team, and they were a tough match for us. Although our team played very well, I’m not sure if there were tightness and nerves that happens in other state title matches, maybe from being here before I’m not sure but it was special,” said Powell.
Having won the first set 25-22, the second 25-21 and the third 25-19, the Rockets aced a perfect season, polishing it off with another state title. Powell reflected on what made his team so special and what had brought the team to the courts that Thursday evening.
“I mean we were beatable, but these kids just find their ways to win. We have a lot of talent but it’s not like we had two division one kids, these kids came together and played really good volleyball. Different guys stepped up different days, and today it was everyone stepping up at the same time which hadn’t happened so far in the season, so it was pretty cool,” said Powell.
