RallyNorth.net

DERRY, N.H. — Roger Konstant scanned his players’ faces and made an announcement.

“Don’t be down,” he said. “Don’t be down.”

Spaulding swept Pinkerton 25-21, 25-18, 25-17 in the Division 1 girls volleyball final last night at Hackler Gymnasium. The defeat was sound, but for the Astros, there was plenty to be proud of.

Kenna Finlayson had 17 kills and six blocks as Pinkerton cruised to a 25-12, 25-21, 25-18 win over Bishop Guertin, in the Division 1 quarterfinals. Kacie Connel had 11 blocks and Mikayla Floyd added 26 assists for the Astros.

Top-seeded Pinkerton defeated No. 16 Concord 25-13, 25-16, 25-12 to advance to the second round of the Class L tournament. Katie Frederick and Lauren Lemire each had seven kills and three blocks while Mikayla Floyd added 16 assists and led the winners with three aces.

Pinkerton had an easy time against Manchester Central, winning 25-9, 25-10, 25-13. Kacie Connal ruled the net with 8 kills and 2 blocks while Mikayla Floyd contributed 6 aces and 14 assists for the Astros (15-1).

After a bad first set, Pinkerton came to life and downed Timberlane 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 25-12 to improve to 13-1 for the season. Kacie Connal notched 15 kills, Kenna Finlayson added 13 kills and Kelsey McKechnie chipped in with 16 service points for the winners. 

Pinkerton volleyball bested previously-undefeated Spauliding  25-21, 19-25, 25-19, 25-16 to jump into second place in New Hampshire Division 1 standings. Kacie Connal registered 15 kills and eight blocks, while Meagan Farris had seven kills and 11 service points to lead the Astros (12-1), who trail only Nashua North (12-1).

Tough scheduleAfter knocking off unbeaten Salem last Saturday, Pinkerton's girls volleyball team couldn't quite knock off another giant.The Astros lost a five-game marathon to Nashua North, the key game being a 28-26 loss in the third game."It was so emotional, and it was tough to come right back after beating Salem," said Pinkerton coach Roger Konstant. "But this was a great volleyball match."

As far as comebacks, and big wins, they don't come any bigger than Pinkerton's girls volleyball 3-2 win over two-time Division 1 state champion Salem yesterday. Trailing 2-0 in games and 23-19 in the third game, the Astros (8-0) rallied for a dramatic 23-25,17-25, 28-26, 25-20, 15-12 victory, handing the talented Blue Devils their first loss of the year.

Pinkerton topped Manchester Memorial, 25-19, 25-15, 21-25, 25-16. Mikayla Floyd led the Astros with five kills and 25 assists while Kacie Connal had 18 kills and six blocks. Kenna Finnlayson added eight kills and Megan Farrios contributed with seven kills. The Astros are now 3-0.

Pinkerton downed Manchester West 25-6, 25-16 and 25-11. Kacie Connal had eight kills while Kenna Finlayson and Kelsey McKechnie notched five kills apiece. McKechnie also recorded 13 service points.