Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
Needham fans, adorned in blue and gold, gathered to support the fifth-seeded Needham girls' volleyball team on Wednesday, November 15th, as they embarked on a crucial postseason match against Newton-North at Newton-South. In a lengthy and hard-fought battle, the Rockets succumbed to the Newton-North Tigers with a score of 0-3.
Competing in the final four against top-seeded Newton-North, the Rockets entered the match prepared to face their opponents while fans cheered them on during the first set. Despite Needham's resilient defense countering Newton-North's attempts, the Rockets fell behind, trailing 19-25 in the first set.
In the second set, the Rockets continued to exhibit resilience against the challenges posed by Newton-North. However, Newton-North, maintaining the momentum they had built throughout the season, secured another set with a score of 12-25. Undeterred, Needham entered the third set with renewed determination. The team collaborated effectively, demonstrating trust in each teammate's abilities. As the Rockets gradually closed the gap on Newton-North's lead, their efforts challenged the Tigers.
Nevertheless, Newton-North secured the third set with a score of 17-25, bringing the Rockets' postseason journey to an end in the final four.
Head coach Courtney Todesco expressed pride in the team's season-long efforts and their achievement in reaching the final four of the competition.
“I’m so proud of them, getting into a state semi-final, and getting to the final four was so exciting, they worked so hard, and it’s not an easy feat, it really isn’t. This wasn’t how we wanted to go out tonight, I don’t think it was our best showing which is tough in these big moments but at the same time, I’m proud of the season we had, and hats off to Newton-North, they are a great team,” said Todesco.
The Rockets closed their regular season with a 14-3 record.
