By Cary Shuman
The East Boston High School volleyball team is the best team in its league. This Friday, coach Vanessa Bigby’s contingent will begin its quest to claim the title as “best in the city.”
The Boston City North first-place finishers will compete in the City Championships Friday at Jeremiah Burke High School. A win over Snowden International could set up a showdown with Latin Academy, who split the regular season series with the 12-1 Jets.
Eastie defeated Latin Academy for the first time in more than 20 years.
“It would be fantastic to beat Latin in the City Championships,” said Bigby. “We have a good shot to accomplish that goal.”
Bigby, who has led the program to five consecutive state tournament berths, said a team effort has produced a successful season and placed her squad on the brink of winning the coveted city title.
The outstanding leadership of Ana Salvi, Angela Portalla, Nicole Oliveira, and Sabrina Rizzo has been crucial to the Jets’ succession of victories over league opponents. Salvi has emerged as one of the top players in the league.
Portalla, a two-year starter and team captain, attributes the team’s success to its cohesiveness and the excellent guidance and instruction from coach Bigby.
“We have good communication on the court and we connect well,” said Portalla. “We’re grateful to our coaches for their dedication to the team.”
Nicole Frangolini and Cilianna Taveras have also excelled in starting roles for the Jets.
“I’m very proud of this team,” said Bigby. “They’ve worked hard all season and we’re excited about the City Championships.”