Every coach hopes their team gets better as the season goes along. That was certainly the case for the Barrington High School unified volleyball team this fall.

The Eagles began their season still learning the rules at an away game against East Providence High School on Oct. 1, and they ended it with a championship celebration at LaSalle Academy on Saturday, Nov. 16.

In between, the Eagles improved in every imaginable way. From top to bottom, they got stronger at serving, rallying, communication and teamwork, with all on display on Saturday morning in Providence.

Playing in a best-of-three championship match against the Exeter-West Greenwich Knights, the Eagles started strong. They won the first game 25-13, showing a strong service and return game throughout.

In game two, the Eagles were equally dominant. They surged to a 22-15 lead before the Knights went on a mini-run to make things close, but the Eagles answered, earning the last three points to close the door on the Division 5 state championship.

Barrington advanced to the championship after defeating Johnston High School at home on Nov. 12.

Barrington coach Pat Tolento was proud of her team, especially how much they improved during the year. She actually gave credit to a scheduling mishap for helping pave the way. Several weeks ago, the Eagles thought they had an away game in East Greenwich. They boarded a bus to the West Bay, but when they got there, they surprised the host Avengers, who did not know the Eagles were coming.

Both teams responded well to the situation, however, and they decided to hold a joint practice. Tolento said that hour of drills together made a big difference in the Barrington’s team’s skills and confidence. They played differently ever since.

“We really progressed as the season went on, which was great,” Tolento said. “We got much better, and they felt more confident as the season went on.”

The final match was cause for great jubilation, as the Eagles ran around the court, hugging and high-fiving. It was a championship celebration.

“The kids were excited and motivated, and they were very happy that we won. It was a very happy group afterward,” Tolento said.

Unified sports are sponsored by Special Olympics Rhode Island, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. Teams are comprised of students of differing abilities, with athletes and typical students, known as “partners,” playing together at all times. The Barrington team was coached by Tolento and assistant coach Sarah Murphy. Tolento also gave recognition to a small group of girls who have been partners on the team for the past three years. She said their leadership and support were invaluable.