With the championship matches getting closer and closer, the volleyball team has been building a winning streak.
Following a tough 3-0 loss to the fearsome King and another 3-2 loss to Williston Northampton, they have bounced back. The Wyverns won 3-1 against Marianapolis Prep in the incredible Dig Pink game, defeated Pomfret 3-0, had 3-1 victories against both Worcester and Suffield, and secured a 3-0 victory against Miss Porters. “We’ve had a few challenges that we bounce back from, which is always an important part of the season,” Head Coach Scott McDonald said.
Some standout games were against Worcester, where they won the first two sets, lost the third set, and then came back with intensity to take the fourth set and the game. Along with that was the Dig Pink Game against Marianapolis Prep. Senior Co-captain Keira Sullivan said the fans who came to support made the game a fun experience, and they raised a lot of money for their fundraiser.
One of the teams’ strengths is their offense. “One of the things that we really capitalize on is our offense,” Sullivan said. “I think we have a really great offense as a team, whether that’s, you know, from the pins to like, outside and right side hitters, or even out of our middles.” Coach McDonald elaborated, crediting Senior Co-captain Jill Plaut and Sullivan. “Our offense is led by our two seniors and Co-captains here,” he said. “Keira Sullivan, outside hitter, and Jill Plaut, who’s our setter, they’re both crucial to our offensive success in our matches.”
The veterans are working well with their predominantly younger and newer team and are building good chemistry with each other. “So some new players that are doing a great job are senior Eve Repp, sophomore Alex Segal, and eighth-grader Lila Klinzmann,” Coach McDonald said.
Sullivan also mentioned Plaut as an integral part of their offense. “She really runs our offense in the sense that she’s controlling where the ball goes, she’s making those really quick game-time decisions about who’s the hitter that’s on at that moment,” she said. She also highlighted freshman Lola Peck. “She had a really great game versus Worcester Academy,” Sullivan said. “Just a beast in the front row with her swings. And even in the back row on the service line. She had a bunch of aces and was just a really key contributor that day.”
Coach McDonald highlighted junior Allie Arcaro. “She was our libero, the unsung hero of the team because she was in our back row,” he said. “Pretty much almost every play works really hard.” Plaut agreed. “She is all over the court constantly,” Plaut said. She also highlighted two strong hitters, junior Ava Cashman and Sullivan.
As the championship rounds get closer, the team has been focusing on a few key aspects of their game. Coach McDonald says that the main skill they’re working on is passing. “We’re working on our serving,” he said. “That’s a part of the game that the team that might not be as strong offensively as us could still give us a real run for our money if they have really good serving.”
Plaut described one of their goals, which is to make it further in the championships than last year. “We’re hoping to make it to the finals,” she said, “If we make it to the finals we will most likely end up playing King and in that case, we just want to make it a fun, competitive game.” Sullivan said that she hopes their new chemistry will carry them farther in the playoffs this year.
On Friday, Nov. 4, the team lost against Loomis Chaffee 0-3 and will face Berkshire School the following Saturday to finish off the season. We wish them the best of luck in their playoffs!
