SACO — In a matchup with Gorham High School on Friday afternoon, the Thornton Academy varsity volleyball team suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Rams inside Linnell Gymnasium.
The visiting Rams would win the sets 25–17, 25–18 and 25–7 to complete the sweep of TA.
The first two sets were a back-and-forth battle between the Golden Trojans and the Rams. TA would score a point and then Gorham would score a point — but eventually the Rams would pull away.
TA started the second set with a 3–0 lead, even though Gorham started the set with the serve. Unfortunately for the Trojans, it would be all down hill from there as the Rams would go on a 25-4 run to close things out.
Thornton coach Corey Huot believes his team needs to work on its mental toughness as the season progresses.
“Mentally it killed us, I think” said Huot. “I think anytime you lose a game 25–7 after you compete in the first two, it’s a mental reason not anything physical.”
Amelia Pellerin, a junior opposite hitter on the TA volleyball team, agreed.
“I thought we played well for most of it but lost it in the last set. I think during the last set we weren’t talking as much and we needed to get our head in the game” said Pellerin.
Despite the loss, the Trojans feel that they showed first-place possibility.
“We had two tight competitive sets with a team that we expect to compete with in the playoffs. We matched up well with them, we just didn’t do enough to win but I think we showed our potential” Huot said.
Pellerin did not seem to be deterred by the loss either.
“I think we’re going to practice harder and be ready for next game” said Pellerin. “My goal for this season is to make it to states hopefully.”
“Nowhere to go but up,” added Huot.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.