Using the leadership and experience of its seven Seniors and the superb setting of Peter Yao ’07, the PA Boys Volleyball team successfully defended its home court, shutting out both Loomis Chaffee and Central Catholic over the past week. Although the Central Catholic game was a scrimmage, Andover proved that it brought its top game to every outing, winning all three games by over 15 points. James McGuinness ’08 said, “Our experience really came through. Our new blockers contributed nicely to our already strong back row. There were many sharp hits outside. Our experienced front row continued to play consistent.” As usual, Yao’s setting was both consistent and accurate. Although Yao did not set the entire game, he still totaled a notable 36 assists versus Loomis. Whether setting to the 6’5’’ middle hitter Brian Watson ’08 or the 5’10’’ back hitter John Lee, Yao’s assists were placed in the perfect sport for the respective player to get the kill. In Saturday’s match against Loomis, the Andover quickly jumped upon the relatively inexperienced Loomis squad. Winning the first game 30-15, Andover started to rotate its lineup to give every player an even amount of playing time. The second game started out similarly when Co-Captain Howie Kalter ’07 gave Andover a huge lead with 11 straight jump serves, five of which were aces. McGuiness commented, “Our serves really weren’t going well until Howie stepped up. His run really helped us get some momentum and secure the win early in the match.” After Kalter’s run, Coach Clyfe Beckwith made a few substitutions, putting McGuinness in at setter. Although McGuinness usually plays back hitter, he looked comfortable and confident during his stint at setter and totaled three assists. Altogether, it was Andover’s defense that stood out during the day. The back row, usually consisting of McGuinness, Jason Zhu ’07 and John Lee ’07, played phenomenally. For the day, Lee received all nine hits that came his way and Zhu tallied five digs. The net defense, led by Watson and Ekow Essel ’07, also played its part in not letting Loomis get clean opportunities to kill the ball. Essel blocked a perfect ten out of ten balls and Watson blocked six out of seven. Both Watson and Essel recorded three stuffs during the game. Alex Svec ’08 also played well in front of the net, blocking two for two with one stuff. With both rows of the defense playing tough and consistent, Andover held Loomis to an average of less than 20 points a game. The spectacular defense allowed offensive standouts and Co-Captains Kalter and Alex Schwartz ’07 to destroy the opposition’s defense. Although both did not play in the third game, Schwartz tallied six kills and Kalter had 8 aces. The Boys Volleyball team looks to maintain its undefeated record as it heads to the Northfield Mount Hermon School to play a strong Hoggers team.
