On to the Semis! LA Volleyball Advances…

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Spartans Celebrate NEPSAC Playoff Victory


Last year, the Lawrence Academy volleyball team was thrilled just to be part of NEPSAC’s final eight.

Not so this year, explained LA volleyball Head Coach Steve Engstrom after yesterday’s 3-0 victory over The Governor’s Academy in the first round of the NEPSAC playoffs.

“We’re trying to make history here,” said Engstrom. “That’s what it’s all about.”

A Big Win Over Govs

Engstrom’s 17-3 Spartans travel to Cheshire Academy for a 2:00 PM matchup with the second-seeded 16-1 Cats. CA defeated Suffield Academy in their New England Class B Quarterfinal matchup against the seventh-ranked Tigers, 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-15) – the schools first ever Class B tournament victory.

“We had a really balanced offense,” said Engstrom of his club’s victory over Govs on Wednesday. “I was excited that our setter was able to use all of our offensive tools all the way around the court.

“We played some great defense, had a strong serving day, and made very few mistakes against a very good Governor’s team.

“It was a really, really good game today.”

Travelling to CT on Saturday

However, there’s not much time to rest on any laurels, and the Spartans look to continue their march through the NEPSAC tournament.

“We’re really excited about moving on to the next round of the postseason,” said Engstrom, an hour or so learning before learning the Spartans would play in Cheshire on Saturday. “We’re having to wait and find out where and when that’s going to be.

“But we’re very excited to have a postseason win under our belt.”

Team cohesion is crucial in the playoffs, and — right now — LA’s well-tuned game is firing on all cylinders.

“We try to have fun during practices, but we know what the end goal is,” said Engstrom. “We know what we’re playing for.”