FRAMINGHAM – A new hotspot has emerged across the state. There is no need to check the “Settings” menu as it has nothing to do with your phone.
In addition to Needham, Westfield, Natick, Milford, and Agawam…a small vocational school in the larger city of Framingham.
The Kief Tech men's volleyball team is on the map.
The 850-student school defeated out-of-town foe Framingham (2,500 enrollment) on Friday and is ranked No. 7 in the Division 2 MIAA rankings, the highest in the state regardless of division. It is the highest ranked technical school. The Broncos (14-1) have dropped just six sets all season, half of which came in their only loss, a 3-2 loss to Marlboro on April 2.
How did they become one of the top programs post-pandemic, with a 48-7 record over the past three seasons?
A menacing, long-haired outside hitter will help. Resilience was key, especially after Keefe fell 25-12 in the second set on Friday.
“I think a lot of teams underestimate us, especially if they haven't played us before,” said CJ Seok, one of the three senior captains.
“I think we’re the underdogs,” added classmate and captain Aidan Villaranda.
That scenario is rapidly evaporating. The Broncos have won 13 straight heading into Thursday's rematch at Marlboro.
Talent is not the only deciding factor.
“We have guys with good character,” Broncos coach Matt Warren said. “Some of us are self-paced, and some of us are serious. It's always fun. Keefe has a good culture.”
Keefe Tech's Greenlaw is a threatening factor
The Broncos, who won the first set Friday, lost the first set for the second time in three weeks as Framingham was sunk from an early 3-0 hole and won easily. The Flyers had momentum, but Keefe took it away and took control for the final two sets.
The lively crowds on both sides of the net played their part.
“It feels good to get that adrenaline rush when you're with a big crowd,” Aidan Villaranda said. “Things are settled. That's what we came here for: to get the job done.”
“We do our best to prepare for the games, but sometimes we run into a little bit of adversity,” Warren said. They don't blame each other for their mistakes. They just have to work hard and figure it out. ”
Another X-factor is 6-foot-5 outside hitter Logan Greenlaw. Junior's shoulder-length black hair goes horizontal as he dives for an incredible kill at the net.
“For people who don't know Logan, he's a scary, intimidating guy,” said senior captain Brian Costa, a Holliston native. “When you see this 6-foot giant, his legs start shaking. He really attacks them.”
“He brings everyone up,” Villaranda said. “He really intimidates opposing teams, especially receivers.”
Keefe has also received donations from Matheus Silva, Aidan Weller, John Roja, Angel Sanchez and Anderson Vazquez.
With the state vocational championships coming up, the Broncos may not be able to sneak up on anyone. But the other person doesn't really matter.
“Kieftek has a history of working hard and being able to come together and beat strong teams,” Costa said. “It's a real blessing that our small school can have such a strong team. It doesn't matter what size your school is, where you're from or what your background is. A team is a team.”
Tim Dumas is a multimedia journalist with the Daily News. Contact him at attdumas@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimDumas.
