RallyNorth.net

Lawrence falls in North finals

Saturday, November, 08 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

ANDOVER - The main event of a North sectional volleyball tripleheader here lived up to the billing:

Reading's power vs. Lawrence's grit for the Division 1 sectional title.

In the end, it was the Middlesex League's Rockets, somehow willing their way to the victory in a two-hour, five-game marathon, 30-28, 17-25, 25-22, 12-25, 15-13. 

A spent group of Lancers, making their third appearance in the title game over the last four years, simply ran out of runs in the fifth and decisive game, which they once led 8-3.

"That was a war, and their defense was outstanding, too, tonight," said Lawrence coach Bill Brouder. 

"We were close, especially up 8-3 in that last game, but that team is very well-coached. That's a great team and they showed it."

The loss marked the end of an amazing career for senior four-year starter Jadith Lorenzo, who helped the Lancers to an impeccable 70-15 record over that span.

"We've had four great years, and she had a lot to do with it," said Brouder. "She can hit, play defense and also set."

After splitting the first two games, Reading looked to be in complete control after grabbing the third, 25-22.

With its backs to the wall, Lorenzo and Lawrence delivered their best.

Lorenzo, who is being courted by a handful of Division 1 and 2 colleges, had five kills in the fourth alone, pounding the ball at will with a purpose.

The free-swinging was contagious with Karina Lopez and Sofia Mendez anxiously joining the act.

"They showed in that game just how much they wanted to win it," said Brouder.

Lawrence carried the momentum into the final. Lopez ripped off two kills and Shanice Fountain stuck back a block for a winner as the advantage in the race to 15 grew to 8-3 Lawrence.

Reading, led by senior Elyssa Dorenfeld, simply found one more gear as nothing hit the floor.

Lorenzo and Jerika Santiago put up one final fight as the Lancers, down 13-11, fought back, but after Lopez smashed her 18th and final kill to slice it to 14-13, Reading put it away.

The Lancers, who lose Lorenzo, Lopez, Mendez, Minerva Rivas and Marileydi Tejada to graduation, will have to rebuild, either with or without Brouder, who after his 25th year, is again hinting at retirement.

Fountain, Santiago and a talented, young group of underclassmen will be asked to carry the load.