Even with the absence of Co-Captain Alex Schwartz ’07, Peter Yao ’07 led the way with 22 assists and Co-Captain Howie Kalter had seven aces as the Andover Volleyball team beat NMH in a rematch of a mid-April win on Saturday. Andover beat a 1-4 NMH squad 3-0 with final scores in the three games of 30-16, 30-25, and 30-27. Andover opened the match by taking a decisive lead in the first game. Kalter gave Andover a 3-0 lead off his first three serves. Andover never looked back after it took the lead, increasing the lead to as much as 16 when it went up 28-12. Andover would continue to dominate NMH in the first game, winning the game by 14 points, 30-16. In the second game, NMH came out fast looking to make up for its bad loss in the first game. NMH took an early lead at 8-4. However, Andover came charging back and tied the game at 11-11, and then again at 16-16. When Andover fell behind again 24-18, Captain Kalter served and brought Andover back to a tie. Peter Yao would serve out the game, which Andover would win 30-25, giving the team a 2-0 lead going into the third game. The third game was the hardest game for Andover. Andover never had more than a six point lead, taking such a lead at 12-8, 18-12, and 22-16. Whenever Andover would increase its lead, NMH would find a way to fight its way back into the game, even bringing the game to within one point at 24-23. However, Andover was able to fight its way to a hard fought victory in the third game, winning it 30-27. Andover played very well in the game considering it was missing its co-captain and outside hitter Alex Schwartz due to college visits. Schwartz has been one of Andover’s leaders in kills, recording 21 last game against Choate. Filling in for Schwartz was Alex Svec ’08, who recorded two kills and one assist while hitting 10 of 11 and receiving 21 of 22. Several Andover players played well against NMH. Howie Kalter was fantastic serving the ball, as he served 21 of 26 and had a team-high seven aces, in addition to his 14 kills, while hitting 26 of 30. Returning this week from college visits was Ekow Essel ’07, who added size to the front line, blocking 9 of 11 with six stuffs. With him, Brian Watson ’08 blocked 4 of 4 with a stuff, while hitting a perfect 14 of 14 with three kills. Next Saturday, Andover will travel to Loomis for a rematch of Andover’s 3-0 win in early April. Loomis, which only recently formed a team, has yet to win this year, with an overall record of 0-4. Loomis has not won a game all year, and has lost every match by a score of 0-3. Andover’s regular season record now stands at 5-0. The team has won every match this year 3-0. With a favorable match up Saturday, Andover should repeat its early win against Loomis.
