By Alex Kiritsy
Sports Reporter
Tonight at 6:30 PM, the Newton South Lions boys’ volleyball team will take on Cambridge in one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Newton South comes off a win that clinced its third straight DCL Championship and boasts a record of 19-0 after defeating Lincoln-Sudbury in straight sets, 3-0. Led by seniors Joe Esbenshade (eight digs), Michael Horenstein (11 kills) and captain Jared Chin (27 assists), the Lions won 25-15, 25-19, and etched out the final set by a score of 27-25.
The win was the Lions’ 44th win a row after last year’s undefeated run.
The number one ranked Lions will take on a talented Cambridge team that has put up competitive matches in years past.
“Cambridge is very athletic and is one of the better teams in the state,” said senior captain Brendan Duggan.
To add to the hype, Friday night will be Senior Night for the Lions. With such a senior dominant team and the success this class has had, emotions will be running high for players, coaches, and fans.
However, with the recent tragedy of Alex Scarfuri, this match has taken on a much greater meaning.
Alex Scarfuri was skateboarding home from a tryout for the Agawam volleyball team when he was hit by a drunk driver. Scarfuri was diagnosed as paralyzed from the neck down in a tragedy that has shaken volleyball teams throughout Massachusetts.
Newton South will be collecting donations throughout the entire match as a way to help with the difficult recovery process that has begun for the Scarfuri family.
While the match is a critical one for both teams, both South and Cambridge recognize the importance of playing for something, and someone, greater than themselves.
“The tragedy has brought us closer together as a team,” Duggan said.
“We are going to do what we can on our end and pay it forward, it’s a good life lesson for our guys to be selfless,” Elwell said.
The Lions take the court at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Senior Night in the Field House.
