Inti Stephenson ’25 readies for a serve.
On Saturday Boys Volleyball competed against Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH), as they impressively swept them 3-0. This game was followed by a close 2-3 loss against Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter) on Wednesday. Both games were characterized by high energy and momentum. The team is determined to continue their hard work as they head into the rest of the season.
Heading into the game against NMH, the team was filled with confidence. Their momentum and energy enabled them to start strong and maintain solid performance throughout the match. Malcolm Tolbert ’26 noted the team’s ability to sustain a positive attitude during the entire game.
Tolbert said “We came into this game pretty confidently. We knew we could definitely beat NMHm so we just tried to get as much momentum as possible. It all started in warmups. We were super hyped up, and everyone was hitting really well from the start. We just carried that energy into the game and were able to sweep them.”
During the practices before the game, the team diligently focused on refining their skills. Specifically, Tolbert mentioned that they engaged in numerous drills aimed at improving serve receive and ball control.
Tolbert said “Going into this game we were really focused on serve receive. In the practices before, we did a lot of drills just focusing on that ball control and making sure we could sharpen our serve-receive skills.”
The team’s strong chemistry has been a key factor in their success. In volleyball, it’s crucial to play as a unit rather than as individuals. Jeremy Woodley ’26 emphasized how the team successfully integrated their skills together cohesively.
Woodley said “One strength during this game was our energy and communication. Everyone was just really a team player which is very important in volleyball. If one part of the game is off then it can kind of offset everyone, but during this game, we were really able to connect all of the parts of the game together.”
Not only was the team able to pull out with an impressive win, but they have also gained helpful experience as they continue with their season. Tolbert mentioned how the confidence this win provided will greatly help them in future situations.
“This game is definitely very helpful as we go into the rest of the season. It will just be helpful to use because of the energy we had. If we take the momentum and confidence we gained from this game we will be set up well for the games we have in the future,” Tolbert said.
The Andover vs. Exeter matchup consistently creates a fiercely competitive environment. Buoyed by their victory against NMH, the team quickly secured a 2-0 lead. Kai Szanton ’26 acknowledged that despite losing momentum in the third set, they still delivered a strong performance overall.
Szanton said “Whenever we play Exeter it is always a fun game, and this was no different. We came in with a desire to win, and we executed that to perfection for the first two sets. This made it so we were up 2-0. Unfortunately, we ended up losing that in set three, but that’s just something to work on overall.”
The team anticipates facing Exeter again this season, potentially in the championships. Szanton noted that after playing two games against Exeter, the team has gained valuable insights into their playing style, which could be strategically advantageous in future matchups.
Szanton said “We are set on doing our absolute best to prepare to play Exeter in the championship. We have played them twice now so we have a good sense of how they operate. That knowledge will just guide us while we prepare again. Next time when we play them we are just going to be ready to destroy them.”
Boys Volleyball with play Choate away this Saturday
