In an epic battle on the volleyball court, Central Valley Academy (CVA) senior setter Brayden Huntley delivered an unforgettable performance that helped his team topple Chittenango in a thrilling five-set match on January 14, 2025. This victory, a 3-2 upset over the once-undefeated Bears, marked not only a significant achievement for CVA but also a turning point in the ongoing rivalry between these two powerhouse volleyball programs.
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The game, held at Bolivar Road Elementary School in Chittenango, was a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and raw emotion. Chittenango entered the match riding a 23-game winning streak, having not tasted defeat since the previous season. But in a dramatic turn of events, the Bears were forced to confront the reality of their first loss in over a year. This defeat, delivered by the determined Thunder, was a testament to the resilience and skill that CVA has cultivated over the past several years.
A Rocky Start
The match began with a bang as CVA dominated the first set. The Thunder took control early and showed their offensive firepower, winning 25-19. However, Chittenango wasn’t going down without a fight. In the second set, the Bears rallied back in what became a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle. Both teams exchanged long rallies and powerful spikes, but in the end, it was Chittenango who emerged victorious with a 29-27 win. The set was filled with tension, as each point seemed to increase the stakes, showcasing the intensity of the match.
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In the third set, Chittenango’s momentum continued to build. The Bears showed their championship pedigree, managing to pull off a 26-24 victory and taking a 2-1 lead in the match. At this point, CVA seemed on the brink of another defeat, their hopes of an upset slipping away. However, the Thunder had no intention of surrendering.
Brayden Huntley: The Heart of the Comeback
As the match progressed, it became clear that Brayden Huntley was determined to ensure that his team would not fall short. The senior setter, who has been a key player for CVA throughout his career, refused to let his team go down quietly. Huntley’s performance in the fourth and fifth sets was nothing short of extraordinary, as he tallied a career-high 56 assists, 8 digs, and 5 blocks.
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Huntley’s leadership on the court was undeniable. His precise sets allowed his teammates to execute their attacks with efficiency, and his relentless pursuit of every ball kept the Thunder’s offensive flow intact. His contributions were crucial in CVA’s 25-20 win in the fourth set, which forced a decisive fifth set to determine the winner.
With the match on the line, Huntley’s determination only intensified. In the fifth set, CVA raced to an early lead, and despite a valiant effort from Chittenango to mount a comeback, the Thunder held their ground and secured a 15-12 victory. The upset was complete, and CVA had pulled off a historic win over one of the top teams in the region.
The Supporting Cast: Geloso and Kenniston
While Huntley’s performance was the driving force behind the win, he wasn’t alone in his efforts. The Thunder’s offensive attack was bolstered by standout performances from teammates Vincenzo Geloso and Xander Kenniston. Geloso, in particular, had a sensational night, registering 20 kills and playing a pivotal role in the team’s offensive resurgence. Kenniston, not far behind, contributed 16 kills, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
“It was a lot of work,” CVA’s head coach John Huntley said after the match. “Huge credit to Chittenango. With the kids they graduated last year, to come back again this year and be competitive speaks to their program and their coach.” Huntley’s acknowledgment of Chittenango’s strength further emphasized the significance of CVA’s victory. The Bears have been a dominant force in the league for years, and this win over them was a monumental achievement for the Thunder.
CVA’s Program on the Rise
The victory over Chittenango was more than just a single win; it symbolized the growth and evolution of CVA’s volleyball program. When Coach Huntley took over four years ago, the Thunder were considered underdogs in the league. They faced a steep climb, having to build the program from the ground up. Looking up to teams like Chittenango, Coach Huntley and his players set their sights on this moment.
“This has been our goal for four years,” Coach Huntley shared. “We started our program at the bottom, and now here we are, finally. It’s a huge step for us, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come.”
The win over Chittenango solidified CVA’s place as a rising force in boys’ volleyball. With the team now standing at 3-1 on the season, the Thunder are building momentum for the rest of the campaign. The confidence gained from this victory, along with the solid teamwork and leadership shown by players like Huntley, Geloso, and Kenniston, will surely propel the team forward.
Chittenango: A Setback, But Not a Defeat
For Chittenango, the loss to CVA was a tough pill to swallow, but it does not diminish the team’s overall strength. The Bears are a talented squad with a storied history of success, and this defeat will likely serve as motivation as they continue their season. Chittenango’s coach and players have undoubtedly learned valuable lessons from this match, and they will be eager to bounce back in their next matchup against Canastota on January 16, 2025.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, both teams will likely cross paths again, especially with postseason play on the horizon. The rivalry between Chittenango and CVA has only intensified, and this match has set the stage for future clashes that promise to be just as thrilling. For now, CVA will savor the moment, as they celebrate not just the victory, but the growth of their program.
With the victory, CVA is set to face Mount Markham at home on January 18, 2025. The Thunder will be looking to extend their momentum and continue their rise in the league, while Chittenango will be focused on regrouping and preparing for their upcoming game against Canastota.
In the end, this game will go down as a historic moment for Central Valley Academy and a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of sports. It was a night where hard work, perseverance, and leadership triumphed, and it left fans and players alike eagerly anticipating what the future holds for both teams.
