The Walpole boys volleyball team travelled to Weymouth High School on April 1 for their first game of the year. This season will be the second in the program’s history since its start in 2024. In this year’s season opener, the Timberwolves fell short to the Weymouth Wildcats who ultimately took home the win in three sets.
Last year, boys and girls varsity volleyball head coach Zachary Okolowitcz was finally able to start up a boys volleyball team after attempting to get the program running during the past few years. In 2023, Okolowitcz was able to gather a small group of WHS students to participate in two practices a week, which began to attract more attention to the sport. This year the team has a total of 10 athletes on the roster who hope to improve the 0-13 record from their last season.
“I know there are more students out there who would enjoy [volleyball] and have success with it, if they gave it a shot,” Okolowitcz said. “Additionally, with the construction of the new gym, I am hoping having the team play here at the highschool will attract more interest.”
Walpole had a rough start in the first set, with Weymouth scoring the first six points just off their serve. After a quick timeout, the Timberwolves were able to side out after two more Weymouth serves. Despite their attempts to come back, Walpole lost the first set 25-4.
“Walpole is the newest team in the Bay State Conference, we share similar struggles to other teams in the Conference due to it being our first year as a varsity sport,” senior captain Aaron Levenson said.
Moving into the second set the boys were able to up the intensity and pace of the game with a leading score of 6-4 in favor of Walpole. After losing a few points, the Timberwolves were able to get the serve back. Senior Matheus Nunes scored the teams first ace of the season with his impressive float serve, catching Weymouth’s serve receive off guard. Additionally, sophomore Hendrik Branzetti had two impressive digs which was able to slow down Weymouth’s quick offense. Even with the improvement of their serving and passing moving into the second set, Walpole still fell short losing 25-14.
The third set was definitely the time to show the team’s capabilities. After the break between sets two and three, the team made it their goal to improve their communication on the court. By getting their serve back after a Weymouth service error, Walpole was able to score five consecutive points. Continuing through the rest of the set, the Timberwolves were able to maintain a four point lead over the Wildcats. Aiding Walpole to their 14-10 lead in the middle of the third set, junior Conor Larkin passed a 2.0 to help set up a more successful offense. Alongside Larkin, senior captain Jack Conti passed a 1.8 and had two assists to contribute to Walpole’s attempt at a comeback. Even with the strong start to the set and their improved communication, the Timberwolves were unable to follow through, losing the third set 26-24.
“Being able to experience the growth and development of a young team is something that I will never forget and makes me appreciate my teammates and the enormous amount of effort they have put into the sport,” Levenson said.
Despite the loss, the Walpole boys volleyball team remains optimistic about the rest of the season. With a focus on improving their skills and teamwork, the Timberwolves are determined to build a stronger program for the future. They encourage students to come out and support them at their home games at Elm Street school, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of May. The team hopes that increased interest and participation will help them achieve a better record and establish a solid foundation for boys volleyball at Walpole High School.
