La Salle claims third state title in four years with dominant volleyball performance
The top-ranked La Salle boys volleyball team secured the 2026 Rhode Island Division I championship on June 6, extending its dynasty with a decisive victory over rival Hendricken at Rhode Island College.
La Salle boys volleyball concluded its 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Hendricken, securing the Rhode Island Division I state championship on June 6 at Rhode Island College. The Rams, ranked first with a 15-3 season record, defeated the No. 2 Hawks with set scores of 25-15, 25-18, and 25-16, marking the third state title for the program in four seasons.
The victory solidified La Salle’s institutional dominance in Rhode Island high school volleyball, following championships in 2023 and 2024. The Rams maintained their perfect postseason record by not surrendering a set across three playoff victories, which included earlier sweeps of Coventry and North Kingstown. The final match represented the first all-private school state championship contest in the state since 2021.
Hendricken, which improved its season record by five wins to finish 14-3, reached the final by defeating East Providence and East Greenwich. Despite the Hawks’ strong finish, La Salle controlled the tempo early, taking a 20-14 lead in the first set through a six-point run that included an ace from Jackson Potter and a kill from Anthony Thibeault. The Rams extended their advantage to start the second set and closed out the match in the third, where they held significant leads throughout the stanza.
Key contributors to the title run included top hitter Flavio Tavares, setter Cooper Amaral, and libero Jayden Simao, alongside supporting players David St. Onge, Stephen Buco, and Daniel Ayorinde. Team members emphasised the critical role of the bench and practice squad in maintaining performance levels. Tavares noted the selflessness of non-starters, while St. Onge highlighted how practice squad depth allowed the team to prepare effectively for all opponents.
The program’s success is attributed to a sustained culture of excellence built since its first crown in 2023. Alumni returned to support the team during the playoff season, and the Rams utilised venues such as the Murray Center to feed off crowd energy. The victory underscores a consistent institutional standard, with Amaral crediting the coaching staff’s daily commitment for the team’s ability to elevate its performance in critical matches.
