The Doherty Memorial High School boys’ volleyball team is making waves this season—and last Friday’s match against Ayer-Shirley was no exception. With a thrilling 3–1 varsity victory at home, the Highlanders showcased teamwork, grit, and undeniable growth.

Despite a nail-biting 27–29 loss in the first set, Doherty bounced back stronger than ever, taking the next three sets with authority: 25–13, 25–10, and 25–13. The win lifted the Highlanders to a 7–3 record, while Ayer-Shirley dropped to 3–8.

Standout performances included Ardenio Lezi with an impressive 25 assists, 9 digs, and 2 blocks. Ben Dobson dominated at the net with 13 kills and 6 blocks, while Atticus O’Neil added 10 kills and 3 blocks of his own. The energy on the court was electric, with every player stepping up when it mattered most.

But the varsity team wasn’t the only one celebrating. The JV Highlanders delivered a strong performance of their own, taking down Ayer-Shirley in a 2–1 set victory. Their win is a testament to the depth of talent in Doherty’s volleyball program and the hard work happening across all levels of the team.

In an exciting milestone, the boys’ volleyball program also placed 11th in the finals—a huge step forward that reflects just how far they’ve come this season. With each game, the Highlanders are proving they’re not just competitors—they’re contenders.

Keep your eyes on this team as they take on future matches with passion, precision, and Highlander pride. We can’t wait to see how they evolve from here. Go Doherty!