On a beautiful, fall afternoon in the Pioneer Valley, the Deerfield Junior Varsity volleyball team (3-2) hosted the Hopkins School (3-3). The team was alone in the West Gym for the first time, as the Varsity team moved into the newly opened athletic complex. But the stands were filled with Big Green faithful as family and friends were in town for Family Weekend. All players on the team received significant playing time, and the girls sparkled on both defense and offense as they won the match 3-0.
During all three sets, the team displayed great defense, particularly Maddie Lee ’20, who kept every well- struck ball up in the air, and who delivered many great passes to the setting duo of Steph Martinez ’20 and Juliette Lowe ’21. Great sets led to strong spikes and tips by Abby Persons ’21 and Emma Weech ’21. The first set went to Deerfield 25-15.
After a successful first set, some of the starting lineup had a chance to rest while the other girls had a chance to shine. Angie Deboer ’21, Lexi Roadside ’21, and Julia Shulman ’22 all had great passes in the backrow, while Elena Lu ’22, Jean Chun ’22, and Angela Osei-Ampadu ’21 eagerly blocked and hit balls in the front. In the second set, Hopkins struggled to earn points on their serve, as Big Green cruised to a 25-15 win. Abby led the charge with multiple aces and kills, while Maddie joined in the ace action and Angela struck a winning hit. In the third set, Juliette’s serves overpowered the visiting team, while Angela and Jean continued to strike the ball well in the front row. Lexi, who needed to miss the first month of the season, continued to impress as a passer in just her second game in the lineup. The home team once again prevailed, this time 25-17.
The JV girls were loose, relaxed, and having fun. It was a great afternoon in the West Gym and the fans were treated to a great team effort by Big Green. The team (now 4-2) hits the road for the first time since their opening game of the season, as they travel to face Hotchkiss (who entered today at 5-3) on Wednesday, October 17. Go Big Green!
Set one: 25-16
Set two: 25-15
Set three: 25-17