Darien Boys Volleyball Beats Wolcott Tech To Move Into Class M Semifinals

For the second time in its last three matches, the Darien boys' volleyball team rallied from a two-game deficit for a dramatic victory.

The Blue Wave did it against Ridgefield in the semifinals of the FCIAC tournament, and they it again Friday night in the quaterfinals of the CIAC Class M state tournament.

Playing in a small, hot gym, Darien posted a 22-25, 25-27, 25-17, 25-10, 15-7 victory at No. 4 seed Wolcott Tech. 

The fifth-seeded Blue Wave (14-7)  advanced to face top seed and undefeated Masuk in the semifinals on Tuesday at a site to be determined. Masuk advanced with a 25-12, 25-17, 25-9 win over Bloomfield.

Maybe it was the oppresive heat or the long drive to Torrington in clogged traffic, but the Blue Wave came out flat Friday, forcing coach Laurie LaRusso to take a number of times outs.

In the third game, however, the serving of Calder Billhardt helped Darien jump out to 9-0 lead, and the momentum quickly turned in the favor of the Blue Wave.

After tying the match, Darien dominated the final game tiebreaker.

Billhardt finished with 23 kills, six aces, 20 points, one block, and 10 digs. Matt Lee helped fuel the comeback with 48 assists, four points, and a dig, while Austin Cockerill contributed 19 kills, one block, six digs, and six points.

Graham Hotchkiss (nine kills and six blocks) and Sam Bryant (five kills, 14 digs and eight points) also had strong showings for Darien.