Andover Volleyball looked to defeat the NMH Hoggers in their second encounter of the season. Determined to avenge their prior loss, Andover looked to capitalize on their home court advantage. Despite the encouragement of the crowd, Andover lost 3-0 in a tough match.
In the first set Andover came out flat, allowing NMH to dictate the pace of the match, as throughout the first set Andover never established a clear rhythm. NMH took advantage of Andover’s lack of communication, quickly winning the set 16-25. Vidush Mahansaria ’12 said, “In the first set we didn’t come out with energy and enthusiasm. By the time we found our rhythm we were already down a set.”
Andover quickly fell behind in the second set, 3-8 on NMH’s serve. Looking down and out, Andover came storming back to bring it within 10-11. Spurred by energy from the crowd, Andover trucked ahead to 17-13 lead on the serve of Marcus Smith ’12. Andover held the lead, improving to 23-19 due to several key serve points by Hayato Lee ’12. Andover’s lack of communication allowed NMH to come within a 24-22 score. After defending two NMH match points, Andover fell 26-28.
Smith said, “That second set was crucial in the outcome of the game. We came so close to winning the set, and if we had it would have been a completely different game.”
Disheartened and down 2-0 in sets, Andover came out for the third set looking to extend the match. After NMH gained a quick lead, Andover played outmatched and defeated, losing the third set 16-25.
Jimmy Philps ’12 said, “After the close loss in the second set, we were feeling down going into the third set. We battled to try to salvage a set in the match, but it wasn’t enough.”
This past Tuesday Andover Volleyball faced Central Catholic in its second scrimmage of the year. Andover came out energized with a fresh new line up, looking to defend its home court against a tough and talented Catholic team. Though ripe with enthusiasm Andover’s effort fell short, losing 3-0 in straight sets.
Andover fell behind quickly in all three sets but managed to make incredible come backs, falling just short in all of the sets. Coach Beckwith said, “We managed to make come backs in almost every set. The ability is there, just not the consistency yet.”
Mahansaria said about the scrimmage, “The scrimmage today was a good sign. We did a lot of things well, that when we faced Central last time we didn’t do. We’re still improving, but this game was a good benchmark for us.”
Andover will face perennial league powerhouse Choate this Saturday.
