Boys Volleyball Leaps into Second Round of Playoffs

Midwood goes up for a block against Madison. Photo: Phoebe Huang

By IRIS LIN

The Boys Volleyball Team ended an impressive 8-2 season on May 9 with a playoff loss against Flushing Campus, 2-0. The Hornets were faced with intense competition from a team that had strong fundamentals on both sides of the game.

“We started well, making good passes and running our offense effectively,” said head coach Mr. Tommy Ma. “Unfortunately, we struggled to break through their tough defense and couldn’t keep up with their counterattacks.” 

Prior to that, the Hornets claimed victory against John F. Kennedy Campus 2-1 in the first round, building some momentum going forward. 

The journey to the playoffs was arduous as the Hornets encountered other talented teams over which they had to prove their dominance. Under the guidance of their coach, the team capped off their regular season on April 28 with a 2-1 win against Bedford rival James Madison, whom they had previously lost to. 

“Ultimately, it came down to mental toughness and the ability to handle pressure,” said Mr. Ma. “We took lessons from that initial loss and responded with resilience.”

Earlier that same week, the boys were defeated by Murrow 2-0 on April 25. However, they secured a win, 2-0, in their last home game against South Shore, with defensive specialist Connor Chin ‘27 leading the team with 11 aces and Hao Lin Lu ‘26 contributing with 11 digs and 15 service points.

Additionally, the team earned 2-0 victories over both Erasmus Hall and FDR. The win over FDR was particularly notable due to the team having lost to them 2-1 before. 

“In the second game [against FDR], we came out way stronger and more confident, and we were able to beat them in straight sets without needing a third,” said co-captain and middle blocker Odil Abduahadov ‘27. 

The team’s 8-2 season record was a result of their hard work, demonstrated in their constant weekday practices, with occasional tournaments on the weekends that kept the Hornets competitive.

But the team’s success didn’t come without its fair share of challenges. 

“We struggle with consistency, especially under pressure,” said Abduahadov. “There are moments where we lose focus, but we’re working on staying locked in from start to finish.”

Nonetheless, other players echoed the sentiment that underscored the team’s determination. 

“I would like to highlight the team’s drive to win,” said co-captain and setter Kadon Lai ‘25. “Everyone on the team is very passionate and they want to win every single game possible, no matter who the other team is.” 

The boys’ success comes from “our raw passion and genuine care for the team,” said Chin. “Every one of us cares deeply, which allows us to compete like our lives depend on it.” 

On an individual level, the players note that the sport has taught them lessons that they carry beyond the volleyball lines. 

“[Volleyball has taught me that] patience is a virtue,” said Anthony Zhao ’26. 

“You can’t win games by yourself, you have to rely on your teammates and always support each other,” said Abduahadov. 

The boys also recognized their coach’s role in their individual and team accomplishments. 

“With a lot of older players graduating, there were many shoes to fill within the starting lineup,” said Lai. “Him staying patient and building the new starters really helped our team.” 

“I hope they’ve come to understand the value of being well-rounded players, not just good in one or two areas, but developing the full range of skills needed to respond effectively in challenging situations,” said Mr. Ma.

While the playoff result was not what the team had hoped for, their performances were marked by effective team coordination and cooperation. From blowout wins to close three-set games, the boys proved that they don’t shatter under pressure. Even with their season ending on a disappointing note, the team’s first place tie in the division standings (with Madison) reflected their hard work and dedication to their craft and to each other. The Hornets are preparing to rise again, and the bonds they built will carry forward into next season as they make another push for glory.