PORTSMOUTH — The team lost its first match, 3-0, but it didn’t really matter. Portsmouth High School now has a competitive boys’ varsity team it can call its own.

Last year a group of PHS boys, not content with playing on a club team, requested that boys volleyball be a competitive sport at the school under the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL). The school has had a successful girls’ volleyball program for years.

Following a presentation in October 2022 by Bob Murray, interim athletic director, the School Committee gave the go-ahead, with the boys agreeing to raise start-up costs themselves to get the program off the ground.

The team, which is in Division II, played its first match against Division III Johnston at home Monday night. Despite losing in straight sets, the Portsmouth players were in fine spirits throughout, celebrating each winning point in grand fashion.

Here are some of the team’s upcoming matches:

• Thursday, April 6, at 6:30 p.m.: at Woonsocket

• Wednesday, April 12, at 6 p.m.: at home against St. Raphael Academy

• Wednesday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m.: at Central Falls

• Monday, April 24, at 6 p.m.: at home against Mt. Hope 

• Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m.: at at Burrillville