CHS volleyball bows to KP in Hock Cup semis

The CHS volleyball team’s quest for Hockomock League supremacy ended in heartbreak on their home floor last week as the Bulldogs fell to Kelley-Rex co-champ King Philip 3-1 in the semifinals of the inaugural Hockomock Cup tournament.

Liz Bickett was a force for the Bulldogs this season. (Mike Tureski photo)

The defending Division 2 state champions, the Bulldogs had come into the match riding a seven-game winning streak and had not lost a single set in nearly a month. The KP Warriors, however, had been nearly as hot and they came out firing in the opening set, rolling to a 25-12 victory.

KP would also build a lead around the middle of set two, but while many lesser teams might have folded at that point, the battle-tested Bulldogs dug deep, surging back to tie the score and eventually regain the lead. Key points by Liz Bickett and Sydney Gallery kept Canton alive and then Angie Elias delivered an ace to seal the 29-27 win.

The Warriors would continue to make runs over the next two sets, but each time they appeared to be to pulling away, the Canton girls would claw their way back. In both instances, however, KP prevailed, squeaking past the hosts with key plays down the stretch to win 25-22 and 25-20.

Although the loss ended the Bulldogs’ season, head coach Pat Cawley said they should be commended for standing tall after such a rough start and turning it into a “competitive, exciting match.”

“The Canton girls gave it everything they had,” Cawley said. “They played with heart and determination and the next three sets could have gone either way.”

Leading the comeback effort were Bickett and Elias, who both had stellar performances to cap their memorable careers. In addition to tying for the team lead with 13 kills, they both recorded double-digit digs while Bickett added three blocks and two aces and Elias had a block and an ace.

Shannon Malloy also had a big night for the Bulldogs with five kills and two blocks, while Gallery, Anna Verille and Talya DeGraw had timely kills and played good defense. Setters Jackie Morrissey and Taylor Reynolds finished with 27 assists between them and both ran the court with precision, Cawley said. Simela Donovan, Nikki Desjardins and Stephanie Trendell also chipped in with strong defense (54 digs combined) and served 46 times at a 97 percent clip.

Reflecting on the 2021 season, Cawley had nothing but kind words for her players, who not only overcame a months-long delay and the challenges of COVID-19, but delivered consistently on the court en route to a 10-2 record and another Davenport Division championship.

And when the girls did face adversity, such as when they were swept by an up-and-coming Sharon team, they learned from their mistakes, made the necessary adjustments and came back stronger at the next opportunity.

“I could not have asked for more from this team,” said Cawley. “They practiced hard every day. They had a great attitude and wanted to get better. They were flexible and willing to do whatever the team needed. They were fun to be around. These 10 seniors will be missed for their stellar play but more than that for the great people they are. I feel lucky to have been able to coach them.”

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Posted by Jay Turner on Apr 22 2021. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.