BILLERICA — First-year Hopedale coach Gary Patch knew it was going to take a little time for his new players to buy into the system he was preaching. On Saturday at Billerica High, the Raiders finished the season in the most perfect way possible.

Strong defense, stellar serving and consistency at the net were all on display by the top seed in Division 5 as they swept past No. 7 Smith Tech, 25-11, 25–16 and 25-23 to take the program’s first state title.

“We knew it would take some games for the players to buy into what our system was and that it would take some time. Fortunately, they did that,” Patch said.

Hopedale’s (19-6) front line of Phoebe Carroll, Savannah Sene and Mackenzie Viens gave the Smith Tech blockers fits all evening.

Nerves also did in the Vikings (17-4) in the early go

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