Hotchkiss volleyball beats Berkshire

LAKEVILLE — The Hotchkiss School Bearcats beat the Berkshire School Bears in straight sets to start the varsity volleyball season. 

Bleachers for both teams were filled with family and friends as the two sides took to the court inside Mars Athletic Center in Lakeville for the volleyball pre-season opener. Led by head coach Bill Fenton, the Bearcats looked more than ready to take on the 2023 competition.

Hotchkiss set the tone early in the first set by pulling ahead to a double-digit lead in mere minutes. Armani Frazier and Lillie Dase displayed net dominance by unleashing the cannon and sending thundering spikes past Berkshire defenders.

Hotchkiss won the first set 25-8.

The Bearcats kept clawing in the second as they worked some bench players into the mix. Setter Grace Backus delivered loops to the spikers on a platter and Hotchkiss continued to control the contest.

Hotchkiss won the second set 25-10.

Berkshire settled into a rhythm by the third and mounted a worthy defense against the relentless Bearcat assault. Early in the third, the Bears found themselves in the lead for the first time in the match.

Berkshire stayed level with Hotchkiss for most of the set with repeated clutch saves coming from both sides and a keen eye for balls headed out of bounds. The Bearcats upped the ante toward the end, however, and opened up a lead to close out the match.

Hotchkiss won the third set 25-17.

A decisive victory for the Bearcats resulted in roaring applause from the packed gymnasium and created optimism for the season to come. 

Lillie Dase led the Bearcats with 14 kills. Armani Frazier ended with 4 kills. Ella Yu totaled 4 service aces and 10 service points.

Hotchkiss was scheduled to begin regular season play on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at home against King School. Service to begin at 4:30 p.m.