By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Medfield High School Warriors varsity volleyball team faced off against the Lynn Classical Rams in the third round of the MIAA Division 3 Playoffs. Tensions were high going into this game, with both teams fighting to advance to the next round. Medfield came out on top 3-1 with all four sets a close chase in points.
The first set set the tone for the game, both teams showing exactly how they played and communicated. Senior Captain Lily Brodeur immediately showed her power, sending a powerful spike over the net for a point. Senior Maya Jackson opened her service with an unplayed ace and was a key player in keeping the ball alive. Medfield worked to play balls off the ceiling and net to earn points. Senior Ally Bonoldi served two aces, in the fight for the lead. The set was tied 22-22 when Jackson ended the set with a three-point service streak, including two aces. Medfield took the first set 22-25.
During the second set, Lynn stepped up their attacking power, tying the score any chance they got. Brodeur had another fantastic set with two critical spikes for points, giving Medfield control of service again. Junior Kendall Larkin helped to keep hard plays on the court, diving to put the ball where her teammates could pay it. Sophomore Jordan Anderson and Junior Ava Pender were huge forces at the net, blocking as many attempts by Lynn as they could. Medfield fought hard, but Lynn took the set 28-27.
Medfield came back with a vengeance for the third set, ready to shut down any attempts by Lynn. Pender opened the set with a three-point service streak and two unplayed aces. Bonoldi had a critical spike for point, giving Medfield a 9-7 lead. Brodeur had a four-point service streak with one ace, giving Medfield an advantage over Lynn. Jackson was a power on the court, diving and digging to keep the ball in play. Junior Lianna Kane served over an ace, helping Medfield win the set 25-12.
The fourth and final set was huge for Medfield. Lynn stepped up their attacking force, but Medfield answered back. Brodeur opened the set with a four-point service streak, with one ace. Larkin showed her power with a huge spike for point, causing Lynn to reevaluate how they play. Medfield utilized fake out plays, causing Lynn to block in the wrong parts of the net. Lynn tied the set 15-15 and led 21-17 at one point. Sanderson and Pender were forces at the net, blocking Lynn’s scoring attempts. Larkin had a critical spike to help Medfield take back the set and win 25-22.
The Medfield Warriors moved to take on the Holliston High School Panthers on November 9, winning that game 3-0. Medfield has advanced to the Final Four and is looking to battle against the Wayland High School Warriors next. If they beat Wyland they will advance to the State Semi-Finals.
