Volleyball team earns signature win over Franklin

In a season filled with dominant victories and impressive displays of teamwork and raw talent, the Canton High varsity volleyball team soared to new heights last week with a 3-1 home win over undefeated Franklin to improve to 9-1 on the season.

Facing a Panthers squad that had recently made quick work of North Attleboro — the team responsible for the Bulldogs’ only loss this season — the Canton girls knew they would have their hands full and practiced all week to be ready for this particular matchup.

“Win or lose, we wanted to leave it on the court,” said head coach Pat Cawley, who was unable to solve Franklin in two meetings last season.

That streak ended Thursday, however, as the Bulldogs toppled the Panthers in four impressive sets (26-19, 27-25, 21-25, 25-14).

It was Canton’s best win in two years, according to Cawley, and it came on a night in which all of the Bulldogs’ big guns stepped up, led by sisters Julia and Olivia Murphy.

Middle hitter Julia dominated offensively and finished with a remarkable 19 kills while also adding eight blocks and 16 digs. Her older sister, opposite hitter Olivia, was equally impressive from the right side, finishing with a team-high 10 blocks along with eight kills and 18 digs.

In addition, Cawley said senior setter Shannon Brady “did a great job quarterbacking the team,” while Alison McHugh, Jackie Bornemann and Avery Devoe combined for ten kills to round out the offense.

Mellyn Costello and Kaitlin Phillips combined for 43 digs to lead the defense, which Cawley said does not always get the credit it deserves.

“In volleyball, defense is often overlooked because offense is what excites the crowd,” she said. “However, we are lucky to have strong defensive players.”

Earlier in the week, Canton hosted Attleboro in a match that was never in doubt, with the Bulldogs cruising to a 25-12, 25-13, 25-13 victory.

Cawley said all 15 girls chipped in to defeat the Bombardiers, including senior Hayley Reissfelder, who played well in her first start of the year, and senior captain Alison McHugh, who had her “best offensive day of the season” with eight kills.

Other top performers included juniors Jackie Bornemann (8 kills), Abbey Willis (3 kills), and Phillips (10 assists, 2 aces).

After two home matches last week, Canton was due to begin a stretch of three straight road games, starting last night with a rematch against division opponent Sharon. Tonight, the Bulldogs will look to recreate the magic from last week’s big win as they head to Franklin to take on the Panthers for the second time in seven days.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Oct 12 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.