Westfield drops Athol High School in three games in boys volleyball action

WESTFIELD — The Athol boys varsity volleyball team dropped a tough match to defending state champion Westfield High School, losing 3-0 Thursday.

Westfield took both Games 1 and 2 25-8, and Game 3 25-19.

It was the second game in a row that the Red Raiders (5-3) dropped a match against a perennial powerhouse of western Massachusetts. They lost to Agawam on Tuesday.

The Red Raiders were held to only nine kills. Justin Blake had four kills, while Anthony Potenit, Hayden Herk, Jordan Carrasquillo, Zach Aldridge and Colby Mason each had one. Colby Soltysik added eight assists, while Matt Willhite added two aces.

“We struggled with serving, and especially net play,” said Athol coach Sean MacDonald. “(Westfield has) big blocks and several excellent hitters that are tall and have a high contact point that we just can’t simulate in practice. So after playing the clearly best two teams in the West this week, we are looking to have a good practice tomorrow to prepare for Holyoke on Monday.”