By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
It was quite the week for the Needham High School varsity volleyball team. The Rockets (9-4) earned three shutout victories over Newton South, Weymouth, and Braintree to qualify themselves for the state tournament before traveling down I-95 and placing second in the Rhode Island Invitational over the weekend against some of the best teams from all across New England.
Sporting some stylish pink shirts during warm-ups on October 6 vs. Newton South, the Rockets downed the Lions behind a strong all-around effort from Alyssa Woo, all while the team raised close to $3,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
Jane Fanning and Siena Tacelli pose with their All-Tournament team selection awards after helping guide the Rockets to a 9-1 record at the Rhode Island Invitational on Saturday. Photos by Twitter, @NeedhamGirlsVB
Two days after the win over Weymouth, the Rockets took down Braintree 3-0 to secure a spot in the upcoming MIAA State Tournament thanks to a strong team effort.
On Saturday, the Rockets made the trek down to the Ocean State for the Rhode Island Invitational, where the team put together a dominant 9-0 record before falling to Newton North in the tournament finals. Fanning and Tacelli were both selected to the All-Tournament team.
Needham will travel to play non-conference opponent King Phillip on October 20 before heading on the road again to face arch rival Wellesley on October 24.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
