WATERBORO — The Thornton Academy volleyball team closed out their season with a 7-7 record after sweeping Massabesic 3-0 on Tuesday night.
The Trojans would win the sets 25-4, 31-29 and 25-14 to take down the Mustangs.
The Trojans were on fire during the first set. Emma Cianchette led with three aces.
“First game our girls came out really well. They played tight. They communicated well. They took advantage of the situation they served in. I think they used it as a nice game to try to get ourselves ready for playoffs,” said Thornton head coach Corey Huot.
Thornton changed the lineup in the second set and a nail-biter took place.
The score was a back-and-forth battle until Ava Carridi served up three points for Thornton. The lead didn’t last long as the Mustangs (0-14) answered back when Lauren Kiss earned four points for Massabesic. Samantha Fickett served up another four points to regain the lead for Thornton and produce a final 31-29 score.
“In the one that was 31-29, there were a lot of opportunities where we were down a point and in that extra frame, they were able to come back tie it up and keep battling. I like our mental toughness. I think it’s something we improved on since the beginning of the year and I like where we are moving forward,” said Huot.
Massabesic senior captain Andreanna LaRiviere was proud of the effort that the Mustangs showed in the second match.
“We’ve come a long way from starting off as a club sport, just battling to 31 was amazing,” said LaRiviere.
In the third set, Emily Reny served up seven points to clinch the victory for the Trojans.
“Games two and three, we saw more of a battle. During the closer games with Massabesic, I think our girls showed a lot of mental toughness to hang in those games and finish them at the end,” said Huot.
Johanna Scott had five kills and Reny had five aces to lead the Trojans.
Thornton Academy is excited to enter the playoffs, which are set to begin on Saturday.
“I think we know what we have to do. We’ve had a goal that we worked on since the beginning of the year. I think we’re rounding into form. I think if anything this gives us some confidence moving into playoffs. We’ve been playing some of our best volleyball towards the end of the season and I’m excited to see what they do moving forward,” said Huot.
Massabesic did not make the playoffs this year but they are excited for the future.
“I think it takes a while, especially with a new program, to understand their roles and learn to trust and communicate and we did a really good job of stepping up tonight and showing what we can do. I’m really proud of the girls for ending the season this way,” said Massabesic head coach Melissa Brandt. “This has really been a building year for us. We have a lot of freshmen that are contributing to the varsity program this year. We’re really looking forward to having a veteran group of players to come back next year. It looks good for the future.”
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.