Girls’ Volleyball Topples Choate
This past Saturday, the unthinkable took place. The best part was that it happened here at Exeter, on our turf. Big Red volleyball had a colossal match-up with one of the titans of NEPSAC girls’ volleyball, a legendary team that has given the Lions trouble in the past, the defending champs who knocked Exeter out in the finals last November: Choate Rosemary Hall.
Exeter crushed the first set, stealing it with a score of 25-12. In the second set, the teams dueled into extras to decide a victor. But once again, Exeter remained unfazed, grasping set number two with a score of 27-25. In the third set, Exeter sealed their revenge story. When the final whistle blew, Big Red flooded the court in celebration. The final score: Exeter 25, Choate 21. In a stunning performance, Exeter had slayed the dragon.
Senior Anna Shattuck highlighted the performances of senior Ela Ferhangil and lower Dylan O’Day for their contributions to the team’s success. “[Ferhangil] and [O’Day] served really well. I’m really proud of how well our defense worked to get every ball, which meant our offense and setting was good,” she said.
Another essential member to the team this season is long-time head coach Bruce Shang. Lower Brody Faliero commended Shang for his significant coaching abilities. “Coach Shang is the reason we win our games. He recognizes potential and molds us into a cohesive team of technical and strong players. He has retaught passing, hitting, serving and setting to me and my teammates in such a way that has made us all better.”
Shattuck echoed Faliero’s sentiments, acknowledging the specific work Shang prescribed to the team heading into the match against Choate. “Shang really worked us hard the whole week so our passing and hitting was ready for Choate.”
One challenge the team faced this weekend was their apprehension at playing Choate after suffering a tough loss last year. Faliero explained the team’s mentality going into the game. “Choate beat us last year in the championship, and we were all worried that it would happen again. I personally think we have all of the skill and power to be undefeated, but we lose when we start to doubt ourselves,” she said.
Moving forward, the team has very specific plans for the week. Faliero explained what this week’s practices might hold for the girls. “The team will most likely be focusing on improving our consistency and placing the ball intentionally. For example, serving, hitting, and tipping to open or difficult spots on the court can all be improved.”
As for the rest of the season, the girls remains hopeful and positive about their team’s skill and potential. So far, the team has a 4-1 record. Their chances of making a reappearance at the Final Four towards the end of the season are high. Senior and co-captain Jenny Yang pointed out the team’s building momentum. “It’s really increased my level of confidence in the team for this season because it’s showed us that we can pull through and win,” she said.