MARBLEHEAD — The Marblehead volleyball team (2-0) continued its winning ways, getting the best of Saugus (0-1) Tuesday evening. The Magicians won all three sets (25-9, 25-23, 25-19) in a back-and-forth showdown.
In a humid gym, the Sachems got off to a slow start, costing them the first set. Despite Marblehead seemingly winning every point, the Sachems rallied between sets to make Marblehead work.
Saugus coach Mikayla Niles thanked her seniors and captains for settling the nerves.
“The captains and senior players played a role in settling us down. The girls take the younger ones under their shoulder and tell them to pick their heads up,” Niles said.
In the second set, Saugus and Marblehead traded leads – dozens of times. Whichever team made a run, the other responded.
“Back-and-forth, back-and-forth. It had me on my feet over in the corner,” Niles said. “I thought it was great. They were hitting their spots, they were talking, and kept fighting. I have nothing bad to say about that set.”
Marblehead coach Killeen Miller believes her young team can take a lot from matches like Wednesday’s.
“We’re definitely a really young team and I think our nerves got the best of us today,” Miller said. “We played well in the first set and then kind of lost focus in the second and third sets. We pulled out wins in both, but it was out of the system for the way we typically play.”
“It’s a great experience for our kids to play in games like that,” Miller said. “You can look at any situation when you’re playing at a high or when you’re low. Our kids just need to be better at being more consistent. In those tight situations, we have to make fewer errors.”
With the score tied 23-23, Marblehead snagged the next two points, starting with a block at the net. It was followed by a set-winning ace from Megan Parkman to give the Magicians a 2-0 advantage.
Although the Sachems gave it everything in the third set to try and mount a comeback, Marblehead kept rallying at critical points to win the third and final set, 25-19.
For the Sachems, Ana Silva and Gia Saunders caught Niles’ attention.
“Ana is one of my captains. She has a great personality, she’s loud, she picks the team up, and she has the most energy,” Niles said. “She’s overall a person everyone would want on their team.”
“Gia Saunders had a phenomenal game in the front row blocking,” Niles said. “She was a powerhouse up front and that’s what I want from her. She gets in her head at times, but this game I saw her break out of her shell and I’m excited to see what she has in store for the rest of the season.”
Even though the Magicians won in straight sets, Miller believes her group can play better once they start playing more as a team.
“I think our kids play stronger when we’re a united team. When we play as individuals, you get stuck,” Miller said. “I think we need to play as a stronger system, which I know we’re capable of. It’s a good reminder for when we get back into the gym.”
With a young team, Miller said it felt “really good” to start the season with back-to-back wins.
“We’re a young team, but that’s not an excuse,” Miller said. “Our kids are talented and they’re going to do some really big things this season. It’s just about taking those small steps.”
Miller mentioned three key players, two of whom are freshmen.
“Alyssa Gentile did a great job on serve receives. She really anchored us,” Miller said. “Our two freshmen had good games. Samantha Walker led our team with seven kills, while Sydney Faris had five digs.”
Although Saugus headed home empty-handed, Niles believes the team has come a long way since last season.
“The first set, we can throw out the window. First game jitters, but the second and third game, regardless of the score, I think the girls won,” Niles said. “From last year to this year, they wanted a big change overall and they came out hitting their spots. They stayed together, communicated, and played as a team. I’m happy with how it turned out.”
The Magicians hit the road to North Andover on Friday, while the Sachems return to the courts on Tuesday when they travel to Salem.
