Volleyball team falls to NA; rebounds with 2 wins
By Jay Turner
Coach Pat Cawley discusses strategy with her team during a timeout against Oliver Ames. (Mike Barucci photo)
Stung by a close loss to rival North Attleboro early last week, the CHS varsity volleyball team took its frustrations out on its next two opponents, shutting out both King Philip and Oliver Ames last Wednesday and Friday to improve to 5-1 overall.
However, before there was redemption there was heartbreak, as the Bulldogs squandered a perfect opportunity on Monday to unseat the Red Rocketeers — the reigning queens of the Hock — and had to settle instead for a five-set loss and perhaps a slight moral victory.
Canton’s downfall, according to head coach Pat Cawley, was its inability to hold a lead. The issue was particularly glaring in the opening set, when the Bulldogs gave up leads of 9-1 and 15-8 before fading down the stretch and losing the set 25-21.
Had they held on they likely would have won the match, for they dominated set two 25-13 and withstood an NA comeback to win set three 25-23. By then, however, the momentum had already turned, and the Rocketeers came back to steal the match with wins in the next two sets (25-22 and 15-13).
“Unfortunately, this was our match to win,” Cawley said. “Although I know the girls played with great intensity throughout the match, the struggle to maintain a lead continues to be a problem.”
Despite the loss, several Canton players delivered memorable performances, including senior captain Shannon Brady, who finished with 25 assists and 10 digs. Sisters Olivia and Julia Murphy also shined for the Bulldogs, combining for 22 kills and 17 blocks. Olivia also contributed 12 digs while Julia added three service aces.
“Olivia was particularly impressive to watch as she skillfully picked apart NA’s defense in the first three sets,” said Cawley.
Avery Devoe and Shannon Brady
Meanwhile, on Wednesday at King Philip, Canton got right back to its winning ways, beginning with a closely contested, 26-24 victory in the opening set. The girls looked even better in the next two sets, winning 25-15 and 25-19.
Among the top performers were senior Alison McHugh (five kills, 10 digs), junior Kaitlin Phillips (10 assists, 12 digs), and junior Abbey Willis (six service points, five digs).
The Bulldogs were equally sharp in their home win on Friday, beating an Oliver Ames team that features one of the top offensive players in the league. Canton countered with the Murphy sisters, who forced the OA hitter to alter her game en route to a straight-set win (26-24, 25-23, 25-16).
The Murphys also teamed with Jackie Bornemann to lead the offense, combining for 28 kills, while the defense was led by Phillips and junior libero Mellyn Costello.
The girls were scheduled to get back to action this Monday and Tuesday with matches against Sharon at home and Stoughton on the road. The team will then host Attleboro and Franklin next Monday and Thursday.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=8381
Posted by Jay Turner
on Sep 28 2011. Filed under High School, Sports.
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