Playing our first competitive matches of the year, Deerfield hosted Sacred Heart and BB&N on Saturday and emerged with two victories.
In the opening match against Sacred Heart, passing from Zoe Gavros ‘23 and Elle Stearns ‘23 provided the backbone of an offensive effort that saw multiple hitters involved: Cate Shanahan ‘23, Caroline Weller ‘23, Georgia Sackrey ‘23, Natalie Meyer ‘23, Evie Mokarow ‘24, Margot McAuliffe ‘24, Harmoni Dobbins ‘26, and Evelyn Kunde ‘26. Meghan Holland ‘23 and Wuyee Ke ‘26 moved the ball around well from the setting position and Deerfield got the win, 2-0.
Facing BB&N in the second match, Deerfield came out much stronger and made fewer unforced errors. Good hitting from Shanahan, Weller, Sackrey, Meyer, and Kunde spread the Knights defense and kept their blocks guessing and Deerfield took the first set, 25-13. BB&N is a strong team and the momentum certainly shifted in the second set where their strong blocking and hitting, coupled with some unforced errors from Deerfield, allowed the Knights to get out to a lead that Deerfield couldn’t overcome. With a second set score of 16-25, the teams headed to a third (and deciding) set. The momentum clearly shifted again in the third set as Deerfield’s good passing, intelligent setting, and smart placement on hits allowed the Big Green to move out to an early lead on an opening service run from Stearns. With a set score of 25-11, Deerfield emerged with the win, 2-1.
Thanks to Sacred Heart and BB&N for making the trip and for a great day of volleyball.
Our next match is at home on Wednesday against an always strong Loomis squad; first serve is scheduled for 3:30 pm.