RallyNorth.net

Lancers season ends in semis

Saturday, June, 08 By Jeff Hamrick

Lawrence's season ended with a state semifinal loss, but the Lancers still piled up some amazing numbers during their 23-2 season. Here are a few of the most significant:
• A 21-match winning streak in which it outscored opponents by a 63-9 margin.
• Posted 16 shutouts
• Entered last night's match having defeated its previous 13 opponents by a combinied 39-2 with 11 shutouts.
"This season meant a lot to all of us," coach Tony Hajjar said of his 16th season. "It was definitely a good season. It was definitely one of my most special teams."

HUDSON — Lawrence might have fallen a couple wins short of its objective, but the Lancers didn't easily give up their volleyball season.
On the brink of state semifinal elimination more than once against Central champion and defending state-runnerup Milford, the North champion Lancers first came back with a tough game-four victory then rallied from a six-point deficit in the finale before suffering a two-point decision to the Screaming Hawks.
With its 25-22, 17-25, 25-15, 22-25, 15-3 victory, Milford (21-1) moves onto the state final against West champion Agawam (21-2).
"Milford is a great team," Lawrence coach Tony Hajjar said. "But we definitely weren't on our "A" game tonight. Our passing wasn't there. I don't know, maybe it was nerves. But you have to give credit to (Milford). They played a great game
"I just told my kids to keep their heads up high. They played a great game and they have nothing to be ashamed about."
Lawrence (23-2) appeared tight in the opening game with 10 unforced errors, but the Lancers battled back to win the second set, busting open a two-point lead with an 8-2 run.
But after Milford, which split a pair of 3-1 decisions with Lawrence this season, dominated the third game, the Hawks appeared ready to roll. The Lancers never led in the set as Milford scored 19 of the game's first 27 points.
The fourth set, however, proved to be the most exciting of the night as the team's combined for 15 ties and seven lead changes. Neither team led by more than two until the final score. Senior twins Anibal (team-high 20 kills) and Jeyson Henriquez (15) powered the Lancers down the stretch.
In the decider, Milford jumped to an 11-5 advantage, before Lawrence scored eight of the ensuing 11 points to cut its deficit to 14-13 before the Hawks secured the victory.
"That was unbelievable," Milford coach Linda Zacchilli said. "We split with them during the season, and it was just by the luck of the draw that Central and North had to face each other this year.
"It was a helluva match because they're a great team and very athletic. Having faced them twice helped quite a bit. But my team has changed quite a bit since the last time we played Lawrence, so we gave them a new look."