Led by a core group which took Calvert Hall to its first MIAA A Conference volleyball title one year ago, the Cardinals of coach Anthony Camarata booked a return engagement in the league championship match, on Wednesday, with an impressive three game sweep of visiting Gilman in a semifinal match.

Making the final all the more exciting is the fact that it will match the Cardinals against arch-rival Loyola, which advanced with a three game sweep of Mount St. Joseph, in Wednesday’s other semifinal.

Calvert Hall got strong performances from Matt Bosse, Tyler Littleton, Kevin Beres, Ryan Muth and Dan Binette, as it prevailed 25-20, 25-22 and 25-20.

Cammarata said his team played well but he also praised the Greyhounds, of whom he said, “They played a phenomenal game, they’re a very good team.”

“Our passing was good, and we made sure our outsides kept the ball in play,” added Cammarata.

Bosse, who has already played on volleyball, basketball and baseball championship teams at the Hall, agreed with his coach.

“We beat a really, really good team today,” said Bosse.  “We gave it everything we had.  We’ll be ready Friday.”

“We raised our game, had great passes in the back, and we were digging everything,” said Kevin Beres.

Gilman’s Will Dorman said both teams played at a very high level.

“We came out and played some of our best volleyball, but they played better,” said Dorman.

It will be the first time in the past six seasons that coach Neil Gabbey’s team will not be in the finals.  

At Blakefield, Ryan Quesenberry and Chris Macon combined for 21 kills and David March has 38 assists to lead the Dons to wins of 25-14, 25-18, 25-11.

Loyola and Calvert Hall figures to be a real war when you consider the rivalry and the stakes.  During the regular season, the two teams split a pair of matches with each team earning a sweep on the opponent’s home court, interestingly enough.

The A Conference Championship is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Boys’ Latin.  At 6:00 p.m, St. Paul’s and Boys’ Latin will meet for the B Conference crown.

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