By Jack Hooker
No. 1 Newton South (22-0) boys’ volleyball team advances to play No. 2 Needham (22-0) in the south sectional finals Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Newton North.
This is the second year in a row that South faces Needham in the finals, having lost to them 3-1 last year.
Needham graduated its 6-foot-9 middle, who dominated the court last year.
Junior outside hitter Joe Esbenshade has a combined 19 kills and 27 digs in the playoffs thus far. South is hoping for him to step up big in the championship.
Junior Mike Horenstein also stepped up in the clutch during the Lions’ 3-0 win over Braintree in the semifinals, hitting .455.
This will be South’s sixth straight sectional finals appearance.
Follow the game on twitter @NSHSDenebola or join the conversation by using #NSHSVBALL.
