Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
A gleam illuminated the court floor, balls perfectly aligned, and a net towering high, splitting the court into two sides - the stage was set. As the clock struck six o'clock, it was time for the varsity girls' volleyball team to face off against the Barnstable Red Hawks. In a fierce competition, the girls soared above the Red Hawks, securing Needham's fifth win of the season with an impressive final score of 3-0.
The bleachers teemed with family, friends, and teammates as the Rockets prepared for battle, and the girls remained focused. With the first whistle, Needham capitalized on their strength, swiftly securing a 7-2 lead within five minutes of the match. It was a captivating performance that held the crowd spellbound. Spectators cheered as the girls engaged in extended volleys, thwarting Barnstable's attempts to score. In the end, Needham claimed the first set of the night with a score of 25-21.
Following a brief two-minute break, the action resumed, and this time, Barnstable managed to notch the first point of the set. Needham remained resolute and maintained their lead for the initial ten minutes of the second set. However, the Red Hawks gradually gained momentum, leveling the score at 11-11. Both teams fiercely vied for control of the second set, but with Needham's superb communication, the Rockets ultimately triumphed in the second set with a score of 25-21.
Then came the decisive third set that would secure the Rockets' victory. Needham took the court with even greater strength and energy than before. Displaying remarkable blocks, strikes, and serves that showcased their immense talent, they surged ahead on the scoreboard. Needham left no room for the Red Hawks to mount a comeback in the closing moments of the match. The gymnasium reverberated with exuberant cheers as the Rockets celebrated their well-deserved win, clinching the third set with a final score of 25-17.
Head Coach Courtney Chaloff, who has coached the Needham girls' volleyball team for a decade, was elated with the girls' performance on that Friday evening.
“I think it was a series of small adjustments we needed to adjust our defense blocks a tiny bit, once we were able to iron out those minor things, I think our system was able to operate at it’s max. I think the girls worked really well as a team, there was a lot of great communication. We were never out of control; people were taking charge when they were coming in. It was never a deer in headlights look, which is so huge because that can be such a momentum shifter,” said Chaloff.
Needham will be hosting Natick high next on Tuesday, October 3rd, the competition is set to begin at 4 p.m.
