Cumberland needed four sets to get past Cranston West on Thursday. By Monday, the Clippers had trimmed the job to three.

The Falcons still made them earn it.

Cumberland took the October 19 rematch 25–20, 25–20, 25–21, improving to 12–5 and completing a 3–1 stretch over the past week. Cranston West reached 20 points in every set, but each time, the Clippers were the team that finished with 25. Three competitive sets. Three Cumberland wins.

Darryl Ashilaka led the attack with 14 kills, six digs and four aces, while Jolee Farquharson added nine kills. Together, they supplied 23 of Cumberland’s 38 kills. Lyla Parmentier directed the offense with 28 assists, adding four kills and six digs.

Gulianna Hasenfus contributed 11 digs, four assists and four aces. Alexa DiTomasso added six kills and seven digs, Mia Mercure finished with four kills, and Lacey Dessert collected seven digs. Cumberland served up 12 aces, eight from Ashilaka and Hasenfus.

For Cranston West, Olivia Baker recorded 11 kills and Emily Rodzis added 13 digs and six aces, according to the Providence Journal.

Now comes the final three-match stretch of the regular season: Lincoln on October 26, East Providence on October 28 and a trip to unbeaten, 14–0 North Kingstown on October 30.

For Cumberland, it is almost a preseason for the playoffs. The caliber of competition ahead gives the Clippers a chance to get into that postseason mindset early: staying composed when an opponent makes a run, making the next touch count and finding a way to finish a tight set. Those are the habits they will want to carry into November.

The difference is that this stretch is not yet win or go home. The results still matter, but Cumberland has room to learn from a tough match, make adjustments and bring those lessons into the next one. Three challenging opponents offer three chances to sharpen their play and build confidence. By the time the postseason arrives, the Clippers have an opportunity to already be playing in playoff mode, ready to make their push.

Reporting draws on the Providence Journal, MaxPreps, NFHS and RIIL. Records are current as confirmed October 20.