Boys Volleyball Digs Deep for Big Wins, Makes Quarterfinals
Benson Chen elevates for a spike against Fort Hamilton.
By MARTINO PIERRE and MARVENS CELIUS
Boys Volleyball’s impressive 8-2 record brought them back to the playoffs this year, where their season culminated in a 2-1 defeat against Fort Hamilton in the quarterfinals on May 12.
After a bye, the Hornets began their playoff campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory against Hillcrest in the second round. After a comfortable 25-9 victory in their first set, they lost 26-24 in the second. However, the Hornets were able to rally back, winning the third set 25-20.
An away game followed in the round of 16, a comeback victory as the underdog against No. 2-seeded Staten Island Tech.
“This was the first time we ever beat Staten Island Tech, and it was really emotional and motivational for us,” said Daniel Han ‘27.
“It was probably the most significant win out of my nine years coaching at Midwood,” the boys’ coach, Mr. Tommy Ma said. “We didn’t give up, everybody stayed together, everybody stayed positive. The players were fearless. After losing the first set they forgot about everything; they just wanted to fight, they just wanted to win.”
The Hornets started the season off buzzing with four wins, breezing through the competition. The team’s only two regular season defeats came at the hands of James Madison. “When we have our momentum going, it stays going,” said Captain Benson Chen ‘27. This is their fourth consecutive season with a .800 or better win percentage.
Many players shone, including junior Benjamin Alton Lager, who had 81 assists, 8 blocks, and 12 kills in the regular season, though it was an overall group effort that was key to the boys’ success. “It takes a whole team to be great,” said Haobin Chen ‘27.
Mr. Ma praised the growth of his players throughout the season, highlighting Benson Chen and Co-Captain Odil Abduahadov ’27 for making “significant improvement” through hard work and discipline.
Many of the players have attributed the team's success this season to a heightened sense of community. “I think the best part of being on the volleyball team is playing with my friends,” said Benson Chen. “I actually want to build a family on this team.”
Many praised Mr. Ma’s tough coaching style, saying it has helped them both individually and collectively. “He pushes you to be better,” Haobin Chen said. “I don’t think I would still be playing the sport without it.”
“I’m tough because I love the team,” Mr. Ma said. “I want them to understand that they have to come to practice every day, I want them to work hard, I want them to give 100%.”
A major turning point in the season came during a tournament at John Jay, when senior Daoud Mirza and junior Jayden Tse were injured within minutes of each other. “We’d never seen something like that before, and it was just a whole new experience for us,” said Benson Chen. Despite the psychological effect it had on the team, which had to withdraw from the tournament, they were able to bounce back and reach new heights. Junior Earvin Wang said, “It ultimately brought positive outcomes because it made the team a lot closer, and it gave us something to really play for.”
The Hornets were even able to push one of the best teams in the city, Brooklyn Tech, to a narrow loss at the Seward Park Tournament. “I think that showed our full potential,” said Benson Chen.
Despite this year’s playoff loss, Boys Volleyball made great strides, and under Mr. Ma’s leadership, they’ll be determined to be the last ones standing next season.