NEWTON — Each time Newton North had a bonus, Needham had a solution.
Needham performed a tenacious type of volleyball, overpowering defending state champion Newton North (20-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-19) for a formidable highway victory.
Newton North defeated Needham to seize the state title final season, a yr after Needham defeated Newton North to cap off its three-peat of state championships. Earlier this season, Newton North upended Needham, however the Rockets couldn’t pull off a season sweep.
With out standout senior Simon Vardeh, who was inactive because of a patellar tendon pressure, Newton North (12-3) lacked an integral a part of its assault. Although they have been capable of seize early leads, it was rival Needham (13-2) that repeatedly answered again.
Newton North performed its finest within the opening set, rattling off a six-point run to show a tie sport right into a 14-8 lead. The hosts capitalized on that run to win the primary set, 25-20, however Needham stormed proper again, dominating the second set, 25-16, establishing the tone for the remainder of the matchup.
Having guided 4 groups to a state championship, Needham coach Dave Powell is aware of what it takes to achieve that elusive subsequent degree. With the event quickly approaching, he was happy with the way in which his crew overcame early adversity.
“We didn’t play hungry in the first set,” mentioned Powell. “We came out with a lack of focus, and I thought Newton North played really well. Then I was glad to see we were able to focus and play more disciplined in the next three sets. We pride ourselves on doing the little things, staying consistent, and being disciplined – and that’s what we were able to do.”
The race to win the third set featured a livid tempo. Regardless of Newton North leaping forward early, a 14-5 stretch allowed Needham to grab the essential set, 25-16. Newton North confirmed its resilience within the fourth set, however that was not sufficient as Needham employed a bend-but-don’t-break strategy that yielded a 25-19 victory.
Led by senior chief Will McDonald, Needham frequently utilized stress on their hosts all through the ultimate three units.
“A win like this shows how hard we’ve been working in practice,” mentioned McDonald (eight kills), who will examine at West Level within the fall and play defensive finish for the soccer crew. “Newton North is a superb crew, so this can be a good win for us.
“We’re working to be at our best for the postseason. There have been hurdles to jump all season, but we’re holding ourselves to a high standard. It helps that we’re all so close – we play a lot of beach volleyball together in the summer. We show up every day, work hard, and have a lot of fun together.”
Newton North is ranked second within the MIAA D1 energy rankings, whereas Needham is ranked fourth. That may change after this end result, however the state’s high 4 groups – together with Brookline and Natick – will all nonetheless reside Bay State Convention. With Vardeh on the injured checklist, this sport represented an particularly daunting problem for Newton North.
“There were a lot of teachable moments,” mentioned Newton North coach Nile Fox. “We were able to see how we can’t lean on (Vardeh). We need to play together as a team, and I thought we did that. I know we didn’t win, but I’m proud of how hard the team played.”
Fox noticed loads of positives past the ultimate rating. Freshman Aaron Stein (six kills) delivered considered one of his finest performances of the season, and Fox was inspired to see his crew compete in opposition to a perennial title contender with out their fiercest weapon.
“Needham got the best of us,” mentioned Fox. “But if we see them again, we’ll be prepared.”
For Needham, one other run on the state title awaits. Powell desires his crew to construct upon its success.
“We’re going to keep working to get better,” mentioned Powell. “And this game was a good step in the right direction.”
