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Passes
Senior Libero Katie Papp bump passes a volley for the Centaurs. Photo by Jeremy Useted/The Woodstock Academy.
The three opening losses weren’t so much the concern.
The Woodstock Academy volleyball team expected a rough go of it early with the losses it suffered to graduation.
“I expected the growing pains,” said coach Adam Bottone. “I scratched my head at 0-3 because of the rankings and where would we get placed because if you drop too low, you’re not in a favorable seed.” Fortunately, the Centaurs began to right the ship this week.
Woodstock Academy downed defending Class S champion, Lyman Memorial, 3-0, at the Alumni Fieldhouse Wednesday and followed that up with a 3-0 win over Bacon Academy Sept. 20 to raise their record to 2-3.
It was the first two home matches of the season for the Centaurs.
“It’s good because it gives us confidence to keep winning and gave us a good feeling for a first time as a whole team this season, hopefully, it keeps on going,” said senior outside hitter Paula Hernandez.
One of the biggest problems for the Centaurs existed in the back. They were having troubles getting side-outs.
So, Bottone focused on getting the ball back and keeping it against Lyman Memorial. That happened against the Bulldogs. The Centaurs found their serve and receive.
The Centaurs trailed in the first set, 20-19, but Woodstock Academy tied it when the Bulldogs failed to return a serve by Kileigh Gagnon. The junior opposite hitter than delivered a pair of aces and Sierra Bedard blocked a shot to make it 23-20.
A Hernandez kill and a Lyman misfire gave the Centaurs the early 1-0 advantage with the 25-21 win. Things were a little easier in the second set. Aurissa Boardman delivered five straight service points to help Woodstock Academy bolt out to a 15-8 lead.
The Bulldogs would never get closer than five the remainder of the way and senior Paige Audet closed things out with a pair of aces for the 25-16 win.
The Centaurs took a 4-3 lead on a service error in the decisive set and never trailed again for the 25-22 win and straight-set victory.
Hernandez finished with 14 kills and 14 digs while junior setter Marissa Mayhew added 16 assists, often taking direction from Hernandez as to where the outside hitter needed the set to be.
“I’m happy to be back on the outside because I know that whatever plan Bottone has is for the best of the team. Maybe I was a good option as a setter, but maybe the best option was Marissa as the setter and Katie (Papp) as the Libero. I’m OK with anything as long as it’s beneficial to the team,” Hernandez said.
Boardman finished with 9 service points and 6 kills while Gagnon added 13 service points and five aces.
Papp was also instrumental with 13 digs in what was a good win for the Centaurs.
The Centaurs followed up that victory with the one against the Bobcats (2-1).
Woodstock Academy was dominant in the first set, winning 25-8. It added 25-20 and 25-16 victories to win in straight sets.
The Centaurs service was again pivotal with Gabby Garbutt getting 21 points and six aces. Hernandez did her part from behind the line with 12 points including five aces.
Hernandez added 13 kills while Garbutt had six, many set up by Mayhew who finished with 17 assists. Bedard added six blocks.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
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