By Jacob Jablonski and Travis Preston
CHICOPEE– The Chicopee Boys Varsity Volleyball team faced off against the Ludlow Lions this past Thursday March 31, 2022 in the spring season opener. The teams had previously met in the 2019-2020 season which resulted in a 3-0 win for the Lions, a loss which the Pacers were looking to get even for.
Unfortunately for the Pacers, revenge was delayed. The Lions took the win over the Pacers 3-0, closing out the game at 75-29 in dominant fashion.
The first set started off close with some impressive rallies resulting in an early tie at 3 apiece. Ludlow would take an early lead, seeing back-to-back aces. With the Lions catching fire, Chicopee Sophomore Adam Brunelle quickly cooled off the opposition, hitting an ace to the back of the court to help the Pacers gain some much-needed confidence, giving the Pacers a small lead early. After some back-and-forth play, spike after spike, Ludlow would win the first set 25-12.
Heading into the second set down, the Pacers looked to pick up some momentum. Starting off the second set, Chicopee Junior Jareem Garvin hit a beautiful side-arm save to tack the Pacers’ first points onto the scoreboard. The Lions would, again, take an early lead, but the Pacers stayed in the fight. Garvin would shine again, spiking the ball into Ludlow territory, keeping the Pacers in the game. Ludlow would wind up getting multiple aces in a row to end the second set with a 25-11 win over the Pacers.
Ludlow’s confidence was evident heading into the third set with a 2-0 lead over the Pacers. The Pacers’ frustration was now showing, as Chicopee would hit the net two plays in a row to begin the set. The third, and final, set was dominated by the Lions, closing it out 25-6 up over the Pacers and leaving the Chicopee High School gymnasium with their heads held high after a strong start to the season.
Chicopee High Junior Ethan Vignato said after the game, “We could have done better. Everyone was super tense.”
The Pacers will look to improve upon their errors as they prepare to take on the West Springfield Terriers at home on Monday April 4, 2022. The Lions will look to extend their win streak as they look forward to their game against Belchertown High School on April 4.
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