SACO — Thornton Academy girls volleyball team swept Massabesic 3-0 at the Linnell Gymnasium on Thursday night.
The Trojans (2-3) would win the sets 25-18, 28-26 and 25-13 to defeat the Mustangs.
The first set was dominated by the Trojans as they started the set out with Olivia Howe serving up a 9-0 lead.
The second set was the most competitive set between the Trojans and the visiting Mustangs.
Massabesic (0-4) held the lead at 18-12, but then Thornton Academy came from behind to win the set.
“We’re a very young team. I have a few girls that have only been playing for about a month and I couldn’t have asked more from them in that game. They gave me everything they had and I am incredibly proud of that effort in the second game. We’re building our program and I’m immensely proud of where they’re at” said Massabesic head coach Melissa Brandt.
The Trojans came back to tie the second set at 24-24. The set then became a back-and-forth battle with one team serving up a ball out of bounds and the next team doing the same. Thornton Academy was finally able to secure the lead and win the set with a score of 28-26.
“The second game we had an opportunity for some of our younger players to come in. It was their first opportunity to play in a varsity game — I think they saw the intensity that happens in a varsity match. I think it was a little overwhelming but I’m proud of how they fought. They came back closed the gap and took that second game and we’re able to take that momentum into the third,” said Thornton Academy head coach Corey Huot.
Huot was correct that Thornton was able to bring the momentum into the third set. At one point in the third set, the Trojans were leading 18-6, but the Mustangs rallied to cut the lead to 18-12 and forced coach Huot called a time out.
“During the third set, our focus was on trying to make the defense move and not to try to win the game on one big play. I told them be smart, be consistent and just outlast them” said Huot.
Huot’s pep talk paid off and the final score of the third set was 25-13.
Thornton senior Laura Fortier had the most kills of the night with six.
Thornton’s Olivia Howe led the way with five aces.
“TA had a great run. Congratulations to them and we get to see them at the end of the season so hopefully the results will be a little different” said Brandt.
Massabesic hosts Gorham on Friday night. Thornton Academy will travel to Biddeford on Tuesday night.
— 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.