By Christopher DeMuth
The Rams delivered a powerful performance Thursday night to defeat the Staples Wreckers 3–1 (27–25, 12–25, 25–19, 28–26), claiming New Canaan’s first-ever FCIAC volleyball championship. Facing one of the top programs in the conference, New Canaan showed the determination and grit needed to make such an achievement. The win not only crowned the Rams as champions—it is the crowning achievement years in the making of the program as a whole
Set-by-Set Breakdown
New Canaan came out firing in the opening set. The Rams and Wreckers battled point for point, trading leads until the very end. It was New Canaan that pulled ahead with a clutch 27–25 win, setting the tone early and grabbing momentum.
The second set was a different story. Staples regrouped and dominated, taking the set 25–12. For a moment, it looked like the defending powerhouse might shift the balance of the match.
But the Rams bounced back in the third, riding the energy of their front line and the strength of their defense. New Canaan took control midway through the set and never let go, winning 25–19.
The fourth and final set was the most intense of the night. Staples jumped ahead early, but the Rams clawed their way back, tied the score, and eventually fought off set points to win 28–26. The final kill sealed the title and sent the Rams sprinting onto the court in celebration.
McLaughlin Shines on Both Sides
Junior Nolan McLaughlin was the star of the night. On offense, he racked up 23 kills on 47 attempts, finishing with a .362 hitting percentage. He led all players in kills and consistently found gaps in the Staples defense.
McLaughlin wasn’t just dominant at the net—he also played a key role in the back row, collecting 18 digs and 29 successful serve receives. His all-around performance helped carry the Rams through tough moments and showed why he’s one of the best players in the conference.
Ho Sets the Pace
Another major contributor was junior Dylan Ho, who served as the Rams’ primary setter. Ho dished out 37 assists, helping distribute the ball effectively and keep Staples off balance. His quick hands and smart decision-making allowed McLaughlin, S. Akavaramu, and Zane Tickoo to stay in rhythm.
Ho also made his mark on defense. He added 11 digs and contributed 4 blocks at the net. His ability to transition quickly from defense to offense was critical in keeping the Rams steady during long rallies.
Balanced Attack Across the Board
Senior S. Akavaramu added 8 kills and 14 digs, while Tickoo had 7 kills and 3 blocks, finishing with a .455 hitting percentage. Senior Donovan West chipped in with 6 kills, 11 digs, and a strong presence on the right side of the court.
Senior Stephen Brown was a force at the net with 5 total blocks, including 3 solo stops. He also contributed a few timely kills and helped set the tone with his energy and leadership.
Senior Mason Park played a key role in serve receive and defense, collecting 11 digs and a team-high 32 receptions. He also tallied 16 total service points and delivered under pressure late in the match.
Defense Delivers Under Pressure
While New Canaan’s offense was impressive, it was their defense that won them the match. The Rams totaled 71 digs, with six players recording at least 5. They also recorded 12 blocks, frustrating Staples at the net and forcing errors in key moments.
Staples struggled to find clean looks at the net, especially in the third and fourth sets. Every time they looked to regain momentum, New Canaan’s defense stepped up and made the plays that mattered.
Championship Stats
Here’s a quick look at the Rams’ team totals for the match:
Kills: 51; Hitting %: .281
Assists: 43; Digs: 71
Blocks: 12; Service %: 87.8%
Serve Receives: 78
What’s Next
With the FCIAC title secured, New Canaan now turns its attention to states. The Rams enter with the momentum and confidence of their incredible season. Although circumstances can always change, the Rams are far and above the favorites going into the State Championship, with a second win expected by many.
