LYNN — The Lynn Classical volleyball team (12-1) started the season 8-0 without dropping a set, and although that streak was broken, its high rate of success has exceeded all expectations.
The Rams, now a perfect 11-0 in the Greater Boston League after sweeping Lynn English on Wednesday, have still only dropped four sets.
“Our goals have been to win the GBL, to win the city tournament, and to make the states and see what happens. All three of those are still on the table,” Classical coach Chris LeBlanc said. “So, we’re just looking forward to going out and making sure we can accomplish those goals.”
It has been an impressive turnaround for the Classical program, as LeBlanc’s young squad produced a 6-8 record a year ago.
Now, currently sitting atop the GBL, LeBlanc said, “Nobody was really excited to come watch us, but this year, it’s a little different.”
He credits confidence and experience.
“I think the thing that really, kind of, helped us a lot is their confidence in themselves,” LeBlanc said. “I started so many sophomores and freshmen [last year], that this year, they have another year of experience and they believe they can do what I need them to do.”
As for Wednesday, it was another strong showing for the Rams. Classical got the best of its rival English (1-8) in a straight sweep (25-13, 25-18, 25-22).
However, underdog English put up a strong fight against the dominant Classical side, and gave the Rams what head coach Angela Masucci described as “a run for their money.”
English jumped out to early leads in the first and third sets, respectively, taking care of the ball and using Classical’s mistakes to its advantage.
In set three, English showed its fight, coming back from a 16-13, then 20-17 Classical lead, tying the game in both scenarios.
But in the end, performances from Rams’ sophomore Emma Chevalier (15 assists, 2 aces, kill) and junior Amanda Hughes (9 kills, 4 aces) were too strong for the Bulldogs, as Classical held on for the match-clinching set.
Masucci, in her first year with the team, is still working on rebuilding the program, but says her team is doing all the right things thus far.
“They put in so much effort, they’re getting together on their own, they’re doing their own practices, and putting in extra practice time. We had a consultation from another coach. We did a retreat at the beginning of the year. So, we did a lot of rebuilding,” she said.
The match between the two sides was dedicated to Domestic Violence Awareness, played in honor of Vanessa Masucci, coach Angela Masucci’s sister.
Vanessa was described as a teacher, fan, and beloved member of the community, which sparked the idea for Lynn English to play for such a grand cause.
The Bulldogs held a raffle with proceeds supporting domestic violence victims.
“This is the first time that we did it with Classical and I’d really like to keep that going,” Masucci said. “[The teams] came together even though they’re supposed to be rivals. [Classical] donated a basket, they wore purple like we did, and the girls put in a lot of effort into it. So, it meant a lot to me.”
Both teams will next play in the Lynn City Tournament Saturday at St. Mary’s.
