By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Walpole Timberwolves and the Needham Rockets finished off the varsity volleyball season at Needham on October 24. Each set was a chase for the lead, but Needham came out on top with a 3-0 win.
Walpole Senior Mia Destito opened the game with an unreturned serve. Needham proved themselves to be a force at the net with Senior Lisa O’Leary spiking for points. Needham Freshman Arianna Tu had two unreturned serves in the set, helping the Rockets take the lead. Walpole Senior Briella Clinton was helpful at the net, blocking and spiking to help the Timberwolves. Needham took the first set 25-17.
The second set was a back-and-forth in who led the score. The set was tied 11-11 and 23-23, putting the pressure on both teams. Walpole Junior Caitlin Baker and Clinton collaborated at the net to block several attempts by Needham. Walpole Senior Sydney Bissonnette and Needham Tu were active in diving to keep the ball in play. Walpole’s Clinton had two unreturned aces in a multipoint service streak. Walpole kept taking the lead, but Needham came back to take the set 25-23.
The third and final set saw both teams come back with fire. Needham Senior Alex Sykora had a six-point service streak to open the set and put Needham on top. Walpole Senior Maran Gallivan played hard, diving for the ball to keep Walpole in comeback territory. Needham Senior Lisa O’Leary contributed to their lead sending hard spikes down on Walpole. Bissonnette had a three-point service streak for Walpole. Needham took the set 25-11.
The varsity volleyball season has officially closed for these towns. Walpole finished with a 7-10 overall record and Needham had a 13-5 record. Both teams fought hard all season and are looking forward to training for the playoffs and next season.
