After a difficult season last spring, Boys Volleyball looks to its returners for leadership to get through the season. Middle hitter DJ Dlesk ’10 said, “We have basically the same core as last year minus Menelik Washington ’09, but I think our captain, Stevie Xenakis ’10, and the rest of the returning players will take the initiative this season and set an example for the newcomers.” Xenakis is the anchor of Andover’s defense and will split the back row with Allen Zhang ’10. Outside Hitters Peter Bang ’11 and Peter Yang ’10 will also spend time in the back row. Middle Hitters Dlesk andPaul Bloemsma ’10 look to lead Andover’s offense, assisted by setter Andrew Khang ’10. Adrian Lehnen ’10, Jirapat Samranvedhya ’10 and Michael Yoon ’10 will also see time in the front row, in a platoon at opposite hitter. Khang said, “There are a lot of people on the team who are new to the sport, so I think that a big part of season will be figuring out how to work together.” The New England Prep School League remains small with three other teams: Choate, Wilbraham-Monson and Northfield Mount Hermon. However, Andover will face tough competition in scrimmages against local schools such as Central Catholic, Andover High, St. John’s Prep and Lawrence High. Andover will host the Founding Four tournament at the end of the season for the first time, and Coach Clyfe Beckwith said “Our goal will be to make it into the final of the tournament this year, as we have been shut out of the championship game since Andover won the championship in 2007.” Andover played Central Catholic on Thursday, and will face Andover High on Monday.
