Feehan Overcomes Service Struggles to Defeat Cambridge
The 11th-seeded Shamrocks converted eight service faults in the first set into three dominant straight-set wins against the 22nd-seeded Raiders.
By Samantha Reed ·
Bishop Feehan players walked off the court in Attleboro after the first set with a specific problem to solve. They had committed eight service faults in a 25-23 loss to Cambridge. The 11th-seeded Shamrocks (12-8) needed immediate correction to advance in the Division 1 first-round playoff match.
The adjustment came quickly in the second set. Feehan shifted its focus to the service line and its receiving structure. The team closed out the first two games of the second half with decisive 25-14 and 25-11 victories. They completed the 3-1 win over the 22nd-seeded Raiders with a final 25-11 set.
Senior Mia Barnes led the team with 12 kills and 14 digs. Senior Ella Perkoski recorded 8 kills, 12 digs, and 6 aces. Senior Brooke Mitchell directed the offense with 23 assists. The trio carried the load as the Shamrocks stabilized their game.
Coach Abigail Soutter described the first set as a period where the team could not find its momentum. She noted that the squad picked up the play in the next set by serving with more aggression. Soutter also pointed to improved communication on the receiving side as the key factor in the turnaround.
The victory advances Feehan to the second round of the tournament. The Shamrocks will face the winner of the Lexington versus Andover match to determine their next opponent. The win secures their place in the next phase of the state playoffs.
Soutter used the match to establish a higher standard for her roster. She stated that she is proving to the players the level of expectation she wants for the program. Her goal is to push the team to become a recognized name in Massachusetts volleyball.
Other Division 1 first-round results included a dominant performance by Chelmsford. The 4th-seeded Lions (20-1) defeated the 29th-seeded Methuen (10-11) in three sets. Kyra Ward recorded 15 kills, 15 digs, and 6 aces. Bonnie Politzer added 11 kills, 11 aces, and 12 digs. Alicia Marcal contributed 38 assists and 4 blocks.
Wellesley and Westford also advanced in their respective matches. The 8th-seeded Raiders (12-7) beat the 25th-seeded Attleboro (10-10) in three sets. Lucy Kulka led the effort with 17 kills and 3.5 blocks. Meanwhile, the 10th-seeded Westford Ghosts (16-2) defeated the 23rd-seeded Haverhill (10-9) in four sets. Isla Hummer recorded 12 kills and Aanya Surampudi posted 14 digs.
In Division 2, the Essex Tech Hawks (16-5) overcame the 10th-seeded North Quincy (15-6) to win in four sets. Junior Lavinya Oliveira led the team with 13 kills and 9 digs. The Hingham Harbormen (16-3) swept the 29th-seeded Holliston (8-11) in three sets. Junior Ava Boschetto recorded 30 assists for the win.
