Winning consecutive championships is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports, let alone four in a row.
Last week, the Iona Prep boys volleyball team did just that, defeating Regis, 3-0, to win their fourth consecutive CHSAA city championship.
At the moment it's as expected.
“We've been talking about winning four in a row for years now,” senior captain Nate Kobuzzi said, “and honestly, it felt awesome. It felt like all of our goals were accomplished. It was really nice to see all of our hard work pay off and come out on top.”
Brent Muscatella led the team with a game-high 21 points, Christophe Speren had 12 points, 11 digs and four aces, Kobuzzi had four points and David Young had 37 assists.
“We've established a winning culture so there's going to be even more pressure next year,” Sperren said. “Hopefully they can continue this streak for as long as they can.”
That was impressive, but this year new trophies were introduced and bigger titles to chase.
For the first time, CHSAA boys volleyball hosted an Intersectional Championship.
Iona Prep won this game and claimed yet another trophy, traveling to Long Island and dominating from start to finish to defeat the Chaminade Flyers, 3-0.
Winning never gets old, especially for Iona Prep boys volleyball.
“This was a declaration that we're not afraid of anybody,” Kobuzzi said. “Even if you're not ready, we're going to get past you.”
Kobuzzi, who plays at LaSell University, was named the match's MVP with seven kills and six blocks. Muscatella had 16 kills and Speren had 15 kills and nine digs. David Young contributed 37 assists in the win.
Iona Prep posted a 14-0 record in match play this season. The school did not drop a set in any match and had not dropped a set in CHSAA league play the past two years.
The Gaels lost only two sets in tournament play all season to opponents outside the region, but were nearly unbeatable locally and in the CHSAA.
“I think we solidified a tradition here,” senior captain David Yang said, “and I think we've raised the expectations and the standard for future teams going forward.”
“Our goal was to keep going and keep fighting. Throughout the season and in the preseason, we talked about how much of a dynasty we could have after winning the title.”
Individually, Speren was named CHSAA League Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.
He finished the 2024 season with 248 kills, 122 digs, 63 aces and 12 blocks. Speren plans to continue playing at the next level at MIT.
“It's a true honor,” Speren said. “I worked hard and gave everything I had to help the team be successful. To be named Most Valuable Player two years in a row is a testament to the hard work I put in.”
The Gaels will look to extend their winning streak next year with their young core as they look to win their fifth consecutive CHSAA city title and are poised to win back-to-back Intersectional titles as well.
