Contributing Writer: Cam Moynihan, (’24)

J-D has seen great success within many of its sports teams this fall, one of the most prevalent being the boys varsity volleyball team. The team is led by seniors Jimmy Wickham, Michael Ryan, and Aidan Bates, as well as juniors Aaron Ko, Timmy Cooper, Luke McQuaid, and sophomore, Avery Kielbasinski. The team has lost two games this season, one of them to their rival, Central North Syracuse.

When asked about how the loss will impact the rest of the season, setter Timmy Cooper said that “We [have to] work harder in practice.” Outside hitter Aaron Ko added that “We are still feeling strong for the second half of the season.” Additionally, when asked about specific games that the team is looking forward to, Ko said that “I’m looking forward to Oswego because it’s our senior night.” The team’s senior night game against Oswego is set to be Monday, October 24, at J-DHS. 

Currently the team is 10-2 and hopes to continue their winning streak. They are led in spikes by outside hitter Luke McQuaid, and led in passes by their other outside hitter, Aaron Ko. The team is coached by Jake Cline. Coach Cline says their main goal this year is to win sectionals to avenge last year’s loss. As the current leaders in their league, the team is looking forward to fully cementing that status with their last few games. As sectionals grow closer and closer, the title of 1st seed becomes more important than just a reputation. The team who is the top seed receives a home court advantage for their first game of playoffs, which the team is eager to get.

Recent triumphs by the team include their victories over Central Square, won in 4 sets, ESM in just 3 sets, and Baldwinsville in 5 sets. These games were led in spikes by Luke McQuaid, and led in passes by Phoenix McBride, Aaron Ko, and Aidan Bates.

The remainder of the season is looking positive for the boys volleyball team as sectionals approaches. With last year’s sectionals lost, the team is more ambitious than ever to take home a win.