Liam Grady taps the ball over the net as his Hopkinton High School teammates look on during a recent match against Bellingham. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Hopkinton High School boys volleyball team earned a bid to the state tournament in its third season, doubling last year’s win total in the process.

The Hillers had just six wins a year ago. This year, HHS notched 12 victories in the regular season, led by a crop of seniors who helped kick start the program two years ago.

“This group has been playing together for three years, so we had high expectations,” said coach Jake Enos. “They definitely bought in, and they have been getting better and better. It’s all coming to fruition.”

Enos said his players were excited this winter to see the wins pile up.

“They are finally seeing they can compete with anybody as long as they work together and just trust themselves, and that’s what they have done,” he said. “They have trusted each other, and it’s been a true team season.”

Senior Liam Grady is one of Hopkinton’s captains and a starting middle blocker. Enos said he has been very consistent and brings a ton of energy to the court every match.

Another captain, Alex Piccioli, is one of the few players who stays on the court through all six rotations because he excels on both offense and defense.

“His work ethic, his leadership and his communication all reflects through how everyone else plays,” Enos said.

Sophomore libero Wes Gonzalez brought great defense, a strong passing game and a high volleyball IQ to each game. Hopkinton also received a boost this spring from senior Trevor Blinn, who bounced back after suffering an injury during football season in the fall.

“Coming into the season, we didn’t know how he would be playing,” Enos said. “He has stepped up to the plate, and he has been another strong leader.”

Junior Michael Click is one of the Hillers’ setters, and Enos said he is one of the loudest players on the court.

“You can always rely on him to be there for his other teammates,” the coach said. “He is one of our setters, so the offense runs through him. He is another consistent player and really is a team-first player.”

Even though the seniors who helped start the program will be graduating, Enos said he is excited for the future. Hopkinton was able to obtain a waiver for eighth graders to join the junior varsity program, and Enos said there is a large crop of players ready to pick up the momentum started by this year’s team.

“I would say this season definitely laid the foundation that we are here to last,” Enos said. “We are going to be a strong, competitive program, and I think the school itself realizes, ‘Hey, they are legit.’ ’’