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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
The Needham High girls volleyball team hosted 11-seeded Revere in the first round of the 2016 MIAA Girls Volleyball Tournament on Thursday night and earned a clean 3-0 sweep.
Amanda Wong (9) jumps and blocks a Revere return.
The 6 seed Rockets earned this win with stellar defense and solid all-around production by Suela Miloshi, Leanee Dyson, Dana Barovich, Amanda Wong, and Alexa Hurwitz.
Needham jumped out to an early 10-point lead in the first set thanks to kills by Miloshi and Wong, while Barovich and Dyson made life tough for the Revere hitters at the net, blocking everything that came their way. The Rockets continued to grab crucial points at the net throughout the first set after capturing the early lead, winning it by a score of 25-9.
Miloshi and crew once again came out of the gates strong in set two, seizing an 11-4 lead thanks to kills by Miloshi and Jane Fanning. After jumping out to the seven-point lead, Needham cruised to a 25-13 set victory thanks to Wong’s strong ability to dig and receive serves, as Needham now led 2-0.
The Rockets kept their foot on the gas in set three and didn’t allow Revere to gain any bit of momentum and possibly force a fourth set, as flawless serving by Izzy Ludlow propelled the Rockets to a 25-15 third set victory and the 3-0 overall win.
Needham is slated to face No. 3 seed Quincy in the quarterfinal round.
Following the win, juniors Suela Miloshi and Jane Fanning were announced as League All Stars. Senior Dana Barovich was awarded honorable mention.
