Despite fantastic serving by Sam Burwell ’09, Andover Boys Volleyball fell short in its game against NMH, falling 1-3. Game one was a nail biter, with eight ties over the course of the game. Andover was ahead 29-27 and needed only one point to win the game. NMH, however, did not allow Andover to score that vital point. The NMH captain served 4 straight points, securing the game, 31-29. In the beginning of game two, NMH gained a strong lead, jumping ahead 5-0. With some skillful playing, Andover managed to bring the score back into its favor, giving Andover to a two-point lead at 13-11. Game two was tied a total of 10 times. This time, NMH found itself in the lead with 29 points to Andover’s 27. NMH only needed one point to win the game, but Andover’s Burwell stepped up to take the match. He served out the game with an ace to win it for Andover. During game three, NMH and Andover tied the score a total of eight times. After NMH pulled ahead, Andover was unable to catch-up. NMH won the game 22-30. Andover was under pressure to win game 4. NMH caught fire at the start of the game and pulled ahead, 10-1. Some spectacular playing on the court reduced the deficit to only 2 points, with Andover behind, 16-18. NMH, however, did not relinquish its lead. NMH won the game and the match by a score of 30-24. Menelik Washington ’09 and Brian Watson ’08, two of the returning members of the squad, played admirably in defeat. Washington came out of the match with a team high of 11 kills, while Watson blocked 12 for 14. This Wednesday, Andover hosted friendly rival Andover High School for a rematch. On Wednesday, AHS edged out Andover in each of the three games (30-26,30-27, 30-22).
