PEABODY — Usually, a sweep on senior night is enough for a good headline, but it wasn’t the biggest story at Veterans Memorial High School on Monday night.
Instead, the spotlight was on Tanners coach Lisa Keene, who earned her 300th career volleyball victory with a 3-0 win over Swampscott.
The emotional night started when seniors Abby Bettencourt and Kayla Landry were honored for their contributions to the Peabody volleyball program, but by the game’s end it was all about Keene’s monumental achievement.
Surprising no one, Keene was quick to credit her players for her ultimate success in the 20 years she has been with the program.
“I guess this milestone is a combination of all the years with, honestly, just amazing athletes,” Keene said. “I don’t play the game, they play the game. So any wins are really their wins. I just happen to be along for the ride.”
Keene continued to show appreciation for her players throughout the years, saying that their “hard work,” “determination,” and “willingness to be better” are the reasons she has produced so much success.
Although Keene refused to take credit for her amazing career, her accomplishments were rightfully recognized with cake, balloons, flowers, and a whole lot of gratitude from players, fans, and co-workers. The post-game love and celebration is what really made things special for Keene on her big night.
“I had some girls that have played for me before here tonight, my freshman coach is a former player. So just to be able to experience it with everybody… I’m proud of all the people that have gotten me this far,” Keene said.
As far as the game went, Peabody’s hot start carried them to its 3-0 victory over Swampscott (25-13, 25-13, 25-20).
The Tanners cruised through the first two sets, earning 12-point victories in each. Yet again, Peabody was led by strong performances from sisters Abby Bettencourt (15 assists, 6 kills) and Lizzy Bettencourt (10 kills), whose chemistry was on full display from the jump.
Emma Lynch’s (5 aces) four straight aces continued to set the tone in the second set, which was helped out by the stingy defense of captain Kayla Landry (3 blocks).
Swampscott showed fight in the third set, holding an 18-14 lead late in the set thanks to a fantastic defensive effort from the entire team. Although Peabody would go on to outscore its opponent 11-2 the rest of the way, coach Amanda Clement was happy to see the continued effort on defense.
“Our defense kept us in the game, just hustling and never letting a ball drop. (We) just kept going for everything. That was awesome,” Clement said.
Even after earning her 300th career victory and 14th on the season, Keene remained focused on this year’s team and its long-term goals. She was happy that her side was “cleaning up a lot of things,” but Keene is aware that the season is far from over.
“Nothing’s complete, there is always another focus,” Keene said.
Keene will look for win number 301 on Wednesday against Danvers at 5:30 p.m. Swampscott will also play on Wednesday when the Big Blue head home for a match with Salem.
