First Day Of School: Northeast Volleyball Defeats Chesapeake

So much for easing into the school year.

Unlike years past, the Northeast and Chesapeake volleyball teams were thrust into the unusual situation of squaring off on the first day of school this year, and the Eagles opened the year with a bang by claiming a win in four sets (25-17, 25-16, 25-27, 25-15) over visiting Chesapeake on September 5.

The Eagles’ rivalry-day win was the program’s first over Chesapeake since winning on senior night in 2014.

Despite dropping the third set to the Cougars, the Eagles remained poised enough to come back and close the match with a win in the fourth set.

“We got a little nervous, but we knew that we had a two-set lead, and even losing one, we still had time to get it together,” said senior Tori Collins, before motioning to fellow senior Brie Adams. “We’re both seniors, and this just made it. I can’t even tell you how happy I am.”

Collins had 11 kills, 11 assists and 10 digs in match that featured balanced play and contributions from throughout the Eagles’ roster. Laura Skorobatsch had 12 kills and 12 assists, Abby Morton had 14 kills and 11 assists, Annie Kavades had five digs, Sabrina Benge had six assists and the Eagles received strong play from Mallorie Hetzel and Faith Fangman. Adams notched eight kills, six assists, four blocks and three aces and was 13 for 13 serving.

PHOTO GALLERY: Northeast vs. Chesapeake volleyball, JV and varsity, 9.5.17

Head coach Mack Ferrer credited Chesapeake with grinding out the third-set win but said the Eagles were resolute in finishing the match.

“That third set really tested their endurance, so I think that’s why you see it this close,” said Ferrer. “I give it to Chesapeake, not folding, staying aggressive and keep pounding. To have day one of the season open up with this big win, it’s a huge motivator for them, and I can’t be prouder of them for saying, ‘You know what, we’re going to do this.’ They kept swinging and kept serving, and their passes were on point, which made the difference. I’m proud of them. They did what they were supposed to do, which was persevere.”

Chesapeake received moments of fine play from Ally Fisher, Abby Muller, Tara Gabrielsen, Grace Lindemann, Morgan Gray, Kylie Houtz, Alana Czarnecki, Courtney Bopp, Mackenzie Bortle, Dorothy Hood, Abigail Mollick and Kexin Wang but played too tentatively, said head coach Mike Gimon.

“We didn’t fold [in the third set]. We showed something there,” said Gimon. “But there was too much playing [not to lose]. You have to play. That’s a big difference.”

Chesapeake is 15-4 in the rivalry since 1999.

Adams said the win for her Eagles side was a big confidence booster for a program that has quietly undergone a shift in mindset and is ready to compete at a higher level.

“I have chills [from this win],” said an excited Adams. “Our chemistry is amazing this year. From our freshman year, everything has changed, our attitudes, our skill level, everything’s different.”

Collins agreed and said the team is looking forward to being tough competition for every team on the schedule.

“I think a lot of people are going to be surprised this year,” Collins said.