By Ruslan Crosby
Sports Reporter
In their 2016 playoff debut, the Newton South girls’ volleyball team outmatched Charlestown, en route to an easy 3-0 (25-6, 25-2, 25-21) victory.
“[We] had all three phases of the game going,” head coach Todd Elwell said.
The Lions passed successfully, giving their offense scoring opportunities.
Senior captain Risa Gelles-Watnick, who is 5th in the state with 366 digs, lead the Lions passing attacking, allowing the offense to run smoothly.
Junior Ella Kim hit .750 and senior Addie Masterson hit 1.000 in regard to spikes, which lead the team.
The Lions offense was brightly shining in their victory. Senior Lexi Montana credits the loud and jubilant crowd for part of the reason why south was so dominant.
“It’s always a different game when the fan section is prominent and present. They were amazing,” Montana said.
In volleyball, if a team is unable to pass well, then their offense will not be able to work as efficiently. South made sure that Charlestown was unable to pass well and therefore run their offense due to great serving.
“I think all or most of us had many serving runs which helped us gain momentum ahead of the other team,” Montana said who led South with eight aces.
South also minimized mistakes and did not give Charleston many free points.
Elwell credits depth and a positive atmosphere for such a great season so far, and was also very happy to see people who have been in a secondary role so far this season come in a play well.
“It’s always hard to play a secondary role, and the one thing I think this team has done better than any other team I’ve coached is regardless of whether they are on the court or on the bench, those who haven’t played as much have been more supportive than any other team that I’ve had.”
He also notes that having fourteen plus people on the roster allows for them to have a stronger team, and therefore allows him to get more people into a game.
The lions look to continue their strong playoff push on Tuesday against the team that knocked them out last year, King Philip.
