V-Ball Defeats Andover, Choate: Big Red Gains Momentum Heading Into NE Tournament
Without losing a single set, Big Red volleyball defeated Phillips Andover on Wednesday and Choate Rosemary Hall on Saturday. The two dominating matches were a combination of high energy and a fiery determination to bounce back, a result from disappointing performances in the team’s two previous matches against Northfield Mount Hermon School (NMH) and Wilbraham & Monson School.
Upper Ben Swett described these two games as “big wins” and “key” games following the two lackadaisical performances. “It really helped our confidence and trust in each other,” he said. “We know that we can win it all,” he continued, referring to the New England tournament at the end of the season.
The members of the team noted key differences between the two poor matches earlier in the season and the two impressive ones this past week. First off, co-captain and senior Kyle Xia noted that coach Bruce Shang urged the team to switch up formations and try out different positions. By doing so, Xia said that the team became more versatile and solidified the lineup.
“It really helped our confidence and trust in each other. We know that we can win it all.”
“[The] biggest difference was putting Graham on the right side and playing a 6-2, which means two setters,” Xia said. “Our old lineup was good, but there were definitely some issues with it in terms of predictability. I’m confident our new lineup can take down NMH.”
The second big difference between the matches was the addition of upper Mitchell Kirsch. Recovering from a knee surgery, Kirsch sat on the bench for the first couple of games. His return sparked more team spirit and a better dynamic.
Upper Graham Rutledge said that Kirsch “played remarkably well considering his rustiness,” an unexpected play that contributed to the dominating wins.
The third difference was the implementation of a team spirit practice which followed the match against Wilbraham & Monson School. Xia said that “the results of that match really showed in these two games [against Andover and Choate].”
Big Red came out firing in both of the matches. In particular, Rutledge took control of the right side, becoming the top hitter on the team. Swett complimented Rutledge’s ability to simultaneously win pivotal points and adjust to the team’s needs, declaring him a “stud.”
“Graham has transitioned beautifully to the right side, becoming our top hitter. [He] actually set for us during the Andover game in place of Mitch because Mitch wasn’t back yet,” Swett said.
Rutledge hopes both his play and the team’s incredible energy will continue in the next matches. However, he also warned the team and himself to be cautious of being too confident, noting that NMH stole a win from Exeter’s otherwise perfect record.
“I think those wins [helped get] good momentum,” he said, “but we need to be wary of arrogance; NMH won’t be easy.”
Swett agreed, saying that hard work in practice all the way to the championship, which will take place on May 14 at Exeter, will help keep the team focused and prepared for tough opposition.
“Blowing out Andover and Choate going into New Englands next weekend is huge for us. We struggled the past few weeks but have started playing at a high level again,” he said. “We know NMH will be a tough challenge if we see them again so we know to stay focused and keep working hard in practice.”
With the New England Championship taking place at Exeter, Xia urged students and faculty to come out and support as the boys’ volleyball team competes for its second consecutive championship.
“The championship is within our grasp, as we are the first seed coming into this tournament,” he said. “The tournament’s home, so we can use all the support we can get!”