Volleyball is up to the challenge

The Housatonic girls volleyball team began its season Friday night, Sept. 12, by defeating Brookfield 3 to 1 at home in four very close matches (25-21, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21).

Senior captain Paxton Thornton had 18 kills, while senior captain Jackie Underwood added 17 assists to lead the win. Also making key plays were senior captain Sarah Godburn and senior Autumn Kelly, with help from sophomore Megan Williams and senior Emily Thaler.  

 This year’s team comes to the court after an unprecedented season last year when they went undefeated in the Berkshire League (12-0) to win the Berkshire League title for the first time in school history. They also won the Berkshire League tournament for the second year in a row.

 Last year’s team also made it to the semifinals in the state tournament (again a first for Housy), losing to Coventry and ending their overall season with a record of 20-2.

 While the team lost three key players to graduation, including Lily Belter (All-Berkshire League and second team All-State), who led last year’s team in assists;outside hitter Sawyer Thornton (All-Berkshire League and second team All-State in 2006); and Whitney Hafford, who led the team in digs, the team comes to the court with key returnees including captain and middle hitter Thornton (first team All-Berkshire League, first team All-State and 2007 MVP); setter Underwood, who was second in assists last year; and two returning starters (outside hitter Godburn and middle hitter Kelly). Rounding out this year’s starting team are setter Williams and outside hitter Thaler.

 Help for this year’s team is also expected from seniors Danielle Lattrell, Rene Boardman and Evelyn StRuzynski; juniors Lynzie Adams, Lauren Mastroni, and Chelsea Ziegler (libero); and sophomore Danielle Kearns.

The team faced Mt. Everett on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at home and will take on Gilbert Friday, Sept. 19, at home at 5:15 p.m.  All Housy game schedules are available at hvrhs.org (click on Sports Zone) and here in The Lakeville Journal.  Spectators  are welcome and appreciated.

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