Fenwick volleyball off to D2 state semifinals tonight

The Bishop Fenwick volleyball team will venture into new territory when it takes on Notre Dame Academy of Hingham tonight in the Division 2 state semifinals at Tewksbury High (7).The senior-laden Crusaders faced Melrose in the North final three of the last four years (2010, 2011, 2013) and until this past weekend, they had been sent packing. The losing streak ended and now South sectional champ Notre Dame is the next target.Fenwick coach Adam DeBaggis said Notre Dame has a lot of height and is a very good blocking team, but he?s confident his team?s defense will help offset that advantage.?It will be tough for us to manage that, but I think we?re every bit as good defensively. They have one really good hitter, and the rest are very good,” he said.DeBaggis said one of the keys will be which team has the mental endurance and his players were up to the challenge against some tough competition last week.?They stayed really composed, even when they were tired (against Arlington Catholic),” he said.DeBaggis has eight seniors on the team, including his four captains, Tessa McLaughlin, Gianna Pizzano of Saugus, Kate Lipka and Jen Crovo. DeBaggis said even as sophomores and juniors, they were leaders.?They?re the heart and soul of this team,” he said. “I?ve watched them grow as individuals and as players.”DeBaggis said most of his players are multiple-sport athletes, which makes their accomplishment even more impressive. He said Pizzano will be signing a letter of intent to play softball at Bryant University this week.?They get by on hard work during the season and lots of talent,” he said.Fenwick, the No. 1 seed in Division 2 North, heads into the game with a 22-2 record. The previous best record was 21-3 in 2010. The winner will play in the state final at Algonquin High School.?We have to play confident,” DeBaggis said. “In the playoffs, it?s the team that makes the least mistakes that comes out on top. We?ve got to be the team that stays composed and makes the plays. We did that all last week.”DeBaggis said it?s been great at school, with the volleyball team going deep into the tournament and the football team still alive in the playoffs. Everyone?s really excited, he said, adding that there will be a fan bus going to tonight?s game in Tewksbury.