Photo by Meghan Foley
Coach Courtney Chaloff speaks to team between sets
By Meghan Foley
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
Last Thursday, girls varsity volleyball (10–1) faced the Milton Wildcats (6–4) for the second time this season. Although in past seasons the Rockets have won more decisively, last month they played all five sets, Needham winning 3–2.
Responding to some good hits by the Rockets, the Wildcats had to make a few difficult dives to keep the ball in play, like when Sarah Clarke ran towards the crowd and leapt out for the ball, landing on her knees and sliding up to the first row of the stands. The bleachers are very close to the court in the high school gym, which provides a good view of the game from any seat, but audience members choosing to sit in the front must be alert as it may become an immersive experience.
The end of the first set looked tough for the Wildcats, ending with a loss of 25–8. However, they got much closer in the second set, with the Rockets winning just 25–20.
One great rally in the third set saw Milton’s Sophie Derwinski set to Keira Clark, whose spike was blocked by Needham’s Sadie Stants and Eva Andrews. Clark tipped it back over but Bella Lee bumped it just between two Milton defenders at the net and in an awkward spot for the back row to be able to get to, earning Needham the hard-fought point.
With the Rockets three points from the win, Milton head coach Al Mirabile called a time-out.
Although the Wildcats were able to bring their score up by more than the Rockets after the time-out, Needham was able to close out the set with a short tap over the net, winning 25–18. And so, despite a valiant redemption after the first set, the Wildcats were still shut out 3 sets to 0, meaning that the Rockets continue their winning streak, now with ten consecutive wins after the loss of their first game.
Girls varsity volleyball will next play this evening at Weymouth High School before returning home for their final home game, against Braintree on October 20th at 5:45. The team’s full schedule can be found at: www.arbiterlive.com
