This is the way a championship season is supposed to begin. The Lady Blue Volleyball team opened its season with one success after another, winning a season opener as well as a pre-season tournament this past weekend. Claiming victory in three out of four scrimmages (and tying the fourth with New Hampton), the PA girls proved their worth against many of New England’s toughest teams. The girls then showed they could win when it counted, as they avenged the tie by beating New Hampton in a rematch, Wednesday, 3-0. The girls confidently hit the floor Wednesday ready with good defense and solid serving, easily winning the first game 30-19. Jessie Daigneault ’04 served seven straight times for the win. PA faced heightened nervous tension in its second game. However, the girls were able to overcome their opening-day jitters to win 30-24. Lauren Cantwell ’05 helped the team by serving a solid game.“At first there were miscommunications and nervousness, but the team came together and overcame it,” coach Clyfe Beckwith reflected afterwards. The Blue ran away with the third and final game, leaving the New Hampton squad struggling to catch up. Thanks in large part to Co-captain Mimi Hanley ’04, who ended the match with ten consecutive jump serves, the team won the game 30-15. The previous Saturday, the Lady Blue team played in four scrimmages. “We didn’t know what to expect from the other teams,” says Hanley going into the game. “We were nervous but when we did well it bonded all the new team members with the old team members.” The girls beat Cushing, St. Paul’s, and archrival Exeter, ending each game with a score of 2/0. The girls tied New Hampton 1-1. “We are definitely confident and psyched about this season, and can’t wait to see where our talent, energy and hard work will take us.” said Daigneault.
