After a great win on the road last week, the Junior Varsity volleyball team came home for their second game, hosting a tough opponent in Loomis Chaffee. The visiting team left with a 3-1 victory, but their wins did not come easily.
Loomis led the first set 13-7, but the Big Green mounted a comeback, riding strong serves by sophomores Abby Persons ’21 and Emma Weech ’21. The Deerfield girls took a 21-17 lead, only to see it slip away on a strong service run by Loomis. They were on the verge of defeat, down 21-23, when a quick rally tied the game. A few more points and the home squad emerged victorious, as Deerfield won 26-24.
Unfortunately, the remaining three sets went to the Pelicans. After early rallies back and forth in the second set, the visitors ran away with the contest, winning by a final score of 25-16. Despite the loss, Elena Lu ’22, a freshman making her first start, made a strong impact with smart play in the front row and two kills. The third set was on pace for a similar result, with the Deerfield girls down 18-10. But a service run of 9 points by Abby, including four aces, and three kills by Emma, gave Big Green a brief lead. Then, tied at 24, it appeared that the home squad was about to take a critical one point lead, but the Loomis girls made an amazing save to keep the ball alive and eventually win the point. Deerfield lost the last point and felt the heartbreak of a 26-24 loss. The fourth set proved to be another see-saw affair, with strong hits by Abby, Emma, and Elena, great defense by Juliette Lowe ’21 and Angie Debour ’21, and stellar digs by team captain Maddie Lee ’20. Tension was high as the score reached 21-21, but suddenly a quick service run by Loomis led to another tough loss, 25-21.
Loomis demonstrated a never-give-up defense and a strong, organized offense. Deerfield rose to the challenge and played a great four sets. Although disappointed by the defeat, the JV girls should be proud of their effort, grit, and tenacity. They remain home for their next four matches and look forward to hosting Williston next Wednesday.