Wave Boys Clip Rams, Remain Undefeated

The Darien Blue Wave Boys Volleyball team defeated the New Canaan Rams Monday in a match that was probably the most difficult of the season for both teams. Darien moved to 13-0 with the victory and New Canaan fell to 10-2.

Anytime Darien and New Canaan meet on the court or field it is a grudge match. Both teams compete at a higher level and with greater intensity than in almost any other game of the season. Luck plays a part, but the more skilled, physically fit, and disciplined team usually prevails. The Wave and the Rams came out slugging and both teams spent a lot of energy trying to win the first set. Errors by Darien allowed New Canaan to jump out to an early lead. The game remained close throughout and eventually New Canaan won the first set by the closest of margins, 25-23, and handed Darien just their second lost set of the season. Both of Darien's lost sets came at the hands of New Canaan.

Darien remained calm in the second set, stuck to their game plan, did not try to play over their head, and won easily by a score of 25-14. Darien was workmanlike the rest of the way and cruised to a relatively easy four set victory with scores of 25-16 and 25-17 in the final two sets, and continued to demonstrate why they are the number one ranked team in Connecticut’s Class L.

The Blue Wave are currently ranked number 62 in the country having moved up about twenty spots from last week.

Darien is likely to extend their winning streak as they travel to St. Joe’s in Trumbull this afternoon for a 4:00 p.m. matchup against the winless Cadets. Darien will host Ridgefield on Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. in what is likely to be a tough test for both teams. Ridgefield’s record is currently 8-4, but they are an improving team. Fortunately, for Darien, the Tigers have a difficult schedule this week and fatigue could be a major factor in the outcome for Ridgefield by the time they face The Wave this weekend. Ridgefield will play at home against Trumbull (11-2) on Thursday, away at New Canaan (10-2) on Friday, and travel to Darien (13-0) early Saturday morning. Darien will enjoy having had two days off in a row to prepare for Ridgefield after having played ten games in the previous nineteen days.

The Darien Blue Wave Boys JV team defeated New Canaan 2-1 and improved to 8-2 on the season. The JV is led by Colin Rebello, Will Olson, and Michael Dolcetti.