BOSTON – There is a new king of the Boston City League.

Defending back-to-back-to-back boys volleyball champion O’Bryant no longer wears the crown, as a tenacious Latin Academy team swept the champs, 3-0, at Emmanuel College.

This was a rematch of last year’s city championship. Latin Academy was on the verge of a title a year ago, ahead, 2-1, entering the fourth set, but a resilient O’Bryant pulled off the comeback. That was not the case this year, as Latin Academy won each set – 25-22, 25-19, and 25-20 – in convincing manner.

“Last year hurt,” said Latin Academy coach Nick Mone. “It really stung. This year, we were determined not to let that happen again. We focused on one point at a time. Everybody stepped up, and we did what we needed to do going to win this game.”

Powered by team captain/outside hitter Otavio Perks (13 kills) and setter Max Dong (25 assists), O’Bryant refused to relinquish its title without a proper fight.

But Latin Academy (11-10) spread the ball, defended exceptionally well, and showcased its firepower with a balanced attack from opposite hitter Gabriel Ugoji (seven kills), outside hitter James Urbaez (four aces, eight kills) opposite hitter Timmy Lewis (nine kills) and outside hitter/libero Teddy Stylianopoulos (seven kills, two assists).

“Every player contributed to the win,” said Mone, whose team-oriented approach paid dividends. “It’s been a tough year. We played the tough teams in DI, and we took our lumps. But the goal is to compete with anyone. It’s been hard, but it’s all about building and growing. Seeing the players improve each day makes it all worth it.”

Latin Academy won a back-and-forth affair in the opening set. It was even at 14-14 before Latin Academy finished on an 11-8 run to seize the set, 25-22, and grab the early advantage.

O’Bryant (7-11) was dealt a blow in the second set when outside hitter Louis Chiu was forced to leave the game with a right ankle injury. It was even at eight apiece when Chiu left the game, and that was when libero Tri Duong, the maestro of Latin Academy’s defense, led an attack that prevented O’Bryant from generating any sort of consistent offense.

“That’s my job – never let the ball hit the ground,” said Duong, who captured the game’s Most Valuable Player award. “And it makes my coach happy.”

Latin Academy won the set, 25-19, to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. With a deftness at reacting, positioning, and reading the hitter, Duong stifled opportunities that would have led to O’Bryant seizing momentum.

“We were close last year and it was tough to lose, so we worked extra hard to make this our year,” said Duong. “Winning this title, winning MVP, winning with my teammates, it all feels amazing.”

O’Bryant coach Paul Pitts-Dilley was unable to make the game, as he was present for his son’s surgical procedure. Filling in were assistant coaches Liam Healey and Nathan Tan. Had a few breaks went its way in that second set, the outcome could have been a whole lot different.

“Pardon my expression, but that’s the way the ball bounces,” said Healey. “The boys left their hearts on the court. Hopefully they use this as fuel for the playoffs. These kids have a lot more fight in them.”

A senior leader, Ugoji played a pivotal part in Latin Academy’s victory. After watching his older brother play for O’Bryant, Ugoji vowed to rearrange the hierarchy in the city. It resulted in a tremendous amount of sweat, tears, and turmoil, but ends with the city championship finding a new home with Ugoji at Latin Academy.

“A lot of struggle went into this,” said Ugoji. “We leaned a lot from the seniors before us, from their guidance and support. Personally, I got a lot of support from my teammates and coaches – I can’t thank them enough for helping me enjoy the ride.

“And it’s not over – we still have states. We’ll go back to practice, lock in, and be ready for whatever comes next.”

After losing in last year’s Round of 16, Latin Academy looks to extend its winning ways in the Division 2 state tournament, where it is possible it once again will see O’Bryant.

“We’re not done yet,” said Mone. “That’s the message here. We have a lot to still play for. We had a tough finish last year, and we’re out for redemption.”