Traveling to Exeter on their family weekend, Deerfield played a great match of volleyball against a strong Exeter squad. In the end, it was Exeter getting the victory, 3-1.
Exeter started strongly in the first set and their effective serves, along with some inconsistent passing from Deerfield, allowed the hosts to get out to an early lead. Deerfield kept it close until a service run from Exeter extended their advantage to 16-10 which they held to take the set, 25-20.
In the second set, it was Deerfield who got out to the early advantage with Elle Stearns ‘23 at the service line. Our setters, Wuyee Ke ‘26 and Greta Trapp ‘25, put hitters Cate Shanahan ‘23, Caroline Weller ‘23, Evie Mokarow ‘24, and Evelyn Kunde ‘26 in position to get points. But credit to Exeter who used their own strong hitting and passing to capitalize on some Deerfield miscues to fight their way back and take the set, 25-20.
Deerfield’s blocking stepped up in the 3rd set, with particular shout-outs to Georgia Sackrey ‘23 and Avery Brooker ‘24. Zoe Gavros ‘23 helped the whole team bring their passing and defense up a notch and it was Deerfield who had more control throughout the set. Deerfield maintained that momentum and took the set, 25-17.
The fourth set showcased strong volleyball from both teams as neither squad was able to get more than a one point advantage until an Exeter service run took them from 13-13 to 18-13. Both teams continued to play hard to the finish, but Exeter was able to maintain that lead and win the set, 25-21, to finish the match.
Thanks to Exeter for an evening of high-level volleyball. It was a great environment in which to play.
Deerfield will travel on Saturday to Andover for a 1:30pm match. But first, look for our team supporting the next generation of players as we run our annual youth volleyball clinic this Tuesday in the Barn.