CHS volleyball battling for top spot in Hock Davenport
By Jay Turner
Sophomore Jess Wright has helped to anchor the Canton offense this season. (Mike Tureski photo)
Update: After a tough loss to unbeaten King Philip on Wednesday, the Bulldogs got back in the win column with a 3-1 victory at Sharon Friday night to improve to 6-3 overall. The team now sits one match behind Oliver Ames in the Davenport Division standings with eight more league contests remaining.
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The ever-improving CHS girls volleyball team has shot all the way up to the top spot in the Hockomock Davenport Division standings after knocking off longtime foe North Attleboro 3-0 earlier this week.
The three-time defending division champions and 2019 state title winners are in the midst of a five-match winning streak after dropping their first two contests of the year against 6-0 Franklin and 5-2 Oliver Ames.
“I have an amazing group of players and each is working hard every day to improve her skills and believe in herself and her teammates,” noted head coach Pat Cawley. “We changed the lineup after the second match and are better settling in to our positions with each match. This is a new team — whether seniors or freshmen, none have extensive varsity experience. There is noticeable improvement day to day.”
Despite their limited experience, Cawley said this year’s roster is made up of knowledgeable and versatile volleyball players who are willing to do whatever is asked of them for the good of the team. They also benefit from a strong senior class, led by captains Taylor Reynolds, Sydney Gallery, Talya DeGraw and Anna Verille.
In last week’s action, the Bulldogs ripped off three straight-set wins in four days, including road victories over nonleague Brockton and Taunton and a home win over Stoughton.
Reynolds continues to excel in the starting setter’s role, demonstrating an impressive command of the court, while Verille has been a revelation on defense and currently leads the team in digs. Freshman libero Zoe Scibelli has also been a key contributor on defense, and the offense continues to be a team effort, with several players contributing on a nightly basis, including Jess Wright, Gallery, DeGraw, Amaiah Christian and Fatima Sidibay, who had a career night last week against Taunton with nine kills and four blocks.
While thrilled with their recent winning streak, Cawley said the Hock remains a “very underrated volleyball league” and the Bulldogs expect to have their hands full every match. “We take each match day to day and respect each opponent,” Cawley said. “We know anyone can win on any given day. We believe we can compete with every team. We need to play our best to beat the best.”
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Posted by Jay Turner
on Sep 30 2021. Filed under High School, Sports.
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