The Peabody Tanners’ volleyball team (16) was defeated by Concord-Carlisle (17) on its own floor on Thursday evening, 3-2, in set scores of 25-17, 21-25, 26-24, 22-25, 6-15.
Despite its 17-3 record heading into Thursday, and showing flashes of its brilliant season, Peabody couldn’t remain consistent. The Patriots executed better in the final set and moved on to the round of 16. Abby Bettencourt had 26 assists and 14 kills to lead the Tanners.
In the first set, Abby Bettencourt entered the highlight-reel right away – faking a set before hitting the ball to the other side of the court in no-look fashion. Freshman Lizzy Bettencourt delivered a thunderous strike – followed by a passionate celebration with her team – and the Tanners took an early 3-2 lead.
Isabel Bettencourt made things happen towards the front of the net and to the left, racking up digs and giving the Tanners around her a chance to get in position.
In the first set, Peabody showed more energy, creativity, and starpower than Concord-Carlisle. The Tanners won the set, 25-17, after a Patriot mis-shit that went out of bounds.
The Patriots had more of a touch in the second set – putting balls in better sports and keeping the Tanners guessing which speed they’d hit the ball with. The Tanners remained skilled in front of the net, however, and things were tied at 7.
As the set went on, Peabody’s players were able to track down balls, but struggled to control possession as the Patriots climbed ahead. Abby Bettencourt caught eyes with an impressive block that led to a point, cutting the Concord-Carlisle lead to 23-17, but the Patriots won the set, 25-21.
In the third set, the Patriots picked up where they left off and jumped out to an early 6-2 lead. Unlike the first set in which they were victorious, the Tanners started to let the game come to them instead of going after it – and the Patriots extended their lead to 19-11.
That said, teams like Peabody don’t lie down easily, and the Tanners climbed all the way back to tie the set at 23.
Abby Bettencourt made the play of the night during the run, diving to record a beautiful dig that resulted in a Tanner point. With Peabody up 25-24, the Patriots’ backline defenders couldn’t control possession and the ball went out of bounds. The Tanners regained a 2-1 lead overall.
“It’s a mentality,” Peabody Head Coach Lisa Keene said. “We always talk about never counting ourselves out. Even if we’re down a lot in that third set, we pull ourselves together.”
The Patriots responded, winning the next set, 25-22. The Tanners’ Lauren Mendonca impressed in the set loss, however, racking up a tremendous return hit when Peabody needed momentum.
In the fifth and final set, it was all Concord-Carlisle. The Patriots had more energy from the start of the set until the end, and capitalized on many self-inflicted Tanner mistakes. The Patriots escaped Peabody with a 3-2 victory, and advanced to the round of 16.
Despite the loss, Keene said this was the most talented group of all-around athletes she’s ever coached. The Tanners racked up 17 wins, just four losses, and lots of memories this season that they’ll take with them forever.
“Honestly, this is just our little volleyball family and our little volleyball community,” Keene said. “It’s just such a nice group of girls, and they’re so good together.”
