Volleyball team suffers road setback at Franklin

Just a week removed from its impressive 3-1 home win over top-ranked Franklin, the CHS varsity volleyball team traveled to the Panthers’ gym last Thursday in an attempt to duplicate the effort, but ultimately came up short, falling in straight sets 25-23, 25-21, 25-21.

Senior Lauren Hartnett

It was just the second loss this season for the Bulldogs, but it was disappointing nonetheless as the visitors squandered opportunities in all three sets.

Although Franklin never led by more than a handful of points, CHS head coach Pat Cawley admitted afterwards that the Panthers “played tougher at the end of each set and persevered for the wins.”

“Franklin was better this night,” said Cawley. “They wanted it more than we did. We did not serve well, our blocking was not as potent as usual, and our defense seemed to be a step behind.”

Despite the loss, Cawley pointed to several “bright spots,” including the play of junior outside hitter Jackie Bornemann, who tallied nine kills with just one hitting error.

Sisters Olivia and Julia Murphy also played well in the losing effort, combining for 18 kills and 48 digs, while senior captain Shannon Brady racked up 28 assists and “executed some great offensive plays.”

Other top performers in the Franklin match included Avery Devoe on offense and Mellyn Costello and Kaitlin Phillips on defense.

Although it wasn’t their best week to date, the Bulldogs did manage to grab a road win at Sharon on Wednesday, topping the Eagles in straight sets by a combined score of 75-52.

Cawley said the girls played “lackluster volleyball” at times; however, they delivered at key moments during the first two sets and finished strong with a 25-15 win in the deciding third set.

Leading the way for Canton were seniors Olivia Murphy (9 kills, 8 blocks) and Hayley Reissfelder, who helped win set three with nine straight service points, including three aces.

Several other players contributed in the serving game, including Phillips and Sarah Bartlett, who combined for four key service points in a comeback win in set two, as well as senior captain Alison McHugh, who helped clinch a set-one win with five straight points.

Canton (10-2) had a busy week coming up with three games in five days, including back-to-back matches against Foxboro and nonleague Ursuline Academy. Tomorrow, the Bulldogs will travel to Easton to battle division opponent Oliver Ames at 4:45 p.m.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Oct 19 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.