Unbeaten Chaminade repeats as CHSAA boys volleyball champion

When the Chaminade boys volleyball team finished last season undefeated without a single dropped set to its name, the Flyers approached 2022 with one mindset.

Repeat in the same remarkable fashion.

But with a premier talent in Benjamin Grindel out for the season after tearing his ACL and meniscus back in November, Chaminade acknowledged that continuing its streak of perfection would require an even greater effort this spring.

Yet when the final point was scored on Monday at St. Dominic High School, the Flyers had ultimately persevered, unblemished once again.

Ryan Farrell tallied eight kills, 23 assists and five aces, and Logan Iacobazzi recorded 11 kills and three aces as Chaminade defeated St. John the Baptist, 25-11, 25-11, 25-21, to capture its second consecutive CHSAA boys volleyball title.

“Going into the season, we knew that we wanted to do this again,” Farrell said. “We kept the streak alive of not losing a set over the past two years and that was the goal from Day One. It’s just really nice to see the hard work pay off.”

Chaminade (15-0) also continued to build upon a dynasty in the process, earning its fourth title over the past five seasons. Farrell, who nearly decided to play baseball instead of volleyball this season, highlighted the key factor to the program’s overwhelming success.

“I think it’s just trust in each other,” he said. “As a setter, I have confidence in everyone that they can put the ball away. And we really have a balanced offense…I think that’s a big reason for our success.”

Iacobazzi was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, while Farrell earned the league’s Player of the Year honors in their final match as seniors. Iacobazzi hopes to see Chaminade’s run of greatness continue moving forward.

“It’s really special for me,” Iacobazzi said. “I just want to see it keep going into the future.”

Chaminade set the tone , taking control early in the first two sets en route to 25-11 victories. St. John the Baptist (10-3) battled back late in the third, but John Dossie secured Chaminade another title with one final kill.

Gavin Daly added six kills, two blocks and one ace.

“We came out with more energy than we usually do, Iacobazzi said. “We were striking, swinging as hard as we can and just trying to put them away.”

Chaminade coach Salvatore Trentacoste marveled at his team’s ability to continue its streak of perfection over the course of two seasons.

“This was an unbelievable team,” Trentacoste said. “What we did is remarkable in this league because the competition is relatively similar throughout…A good part of this was getting the guys together in our physical fitness center in the offseason.

“They really jelled together. The camaraderie and teamwork have been exceptional, and that’s what led us to this point.”