V Volleyball

The KO Varsity Volleyball team had an incredibly close 3-2 loss against Williston Northampton.

The first set was a showcase in clever adjustments that both teams were making to unpredictable points. Co-captain Jill Plaut ‘23 led the charge for KO with angled tips, ferocious right side hits, and thoughtful net decisions when she wasn’t setting. Quin Kearney ‘23 was all offense all the time with reliable serving and intentional hitting from the right side early on in the set. After settling in, the Wyverns were able to move into the lead and take the set 25-17.

The second set saw the Wyverns having to readjust to some challenging plays posed by the opponent. Lila Klinzmann ‘27 entered the game with laser focus, and she pulled off varied and fantastic setting to all her teammates in the front row. Klinzmann’s consistent efforts opened up opportunities for Plaut to go for aggressive offensive plays on the right side, and for Ava Cashman ‘24 to send the ball soaring into the corners from the outside. Eve Repp ‘23 was ready for anything on the right side and threatened an imposing block on the opponent’s hits. Allie Arcaro ‘24 used her trademark momentous serving to bring KO back into the game late in the set, and she pulled off much needed digs during pressure points. Williston pulled ahead at the last minute and took the set 25-22.

The third set showed the Wyverns focusing on our strengths and really taking it to the opponent. Co-captain Keira Sullivan ‘23 rejuvenated the offense with commanding hits from the outside to rack up the points early on. Plaut had some unstoppable net-decision smashes on the right side, Cashman had excellent first passes to keep the offense going. Lola Peck ‘26 had an amazing service run that left the opponent scratching their heads and ended the set 25-14 for KO.

In the fourth set, Williston was ready to respond and took the set to extra points, narrowly winning 26-24. There was a clear battle for the middle of the net going on, and Jillian Alexander ‘24 rose to the occasion. A fortune teller couldn’t have predicted where Alexander’s tips and pushes in the middle would go, and she energized the team with her successful offensive choices. Alex Segal ‘25 was ready to produce excellent first passes in the back row, and Jhanvi Daddala ‘23 was a consistent force in the middle of the front row. Peck provided hard hits down the middle, as well, and we were able to stay in it into extra points, unfortunately losing out at the end of the set.

The deciding fifth set was a battle, as predicted, with Williston coming out on top 12-15. Sullivan had clutch serving to give KO an early lead, and Alexander continued her streak of devastating tips in the middle. It was a disappointing end to the match, but the Wyverns will use this as an opportunity to reset and dig into our future practices and games.

We’re looking forward to our Dig Pink match against Marianapolis on 10/14!

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Away
(League)
Loss
KO: 2 – Williston Northampton School: 3
Location: Williston Northampton School
Directions: Take I-91 N to MA-141 W/Hampden St in Holyoke. Take exit 17B from I-91 N