A team’s journey toward a state championship often has some potholes, and many times they’re beneficial bumps in the road.

Last year, the Southern Regional boys volleyball team had very few, losing just two sets through 33 matches before getting snubbed in the state final by longtime nemesis Old Bridge. This spring, the Rams lost three sets during the first two weeks of the season, including a 2-1 loss to Scotch Plains-Fanwood on April 11.

The ensuing weekend dealt another blow to Southern, when starting setter Angelo Addiego sustained a season-ended…