Windham varsity volleyball ends season with win over Massabesic

By Matt Pascarella

It was senior night on Monday, Oct. 16 and before the start of Windham’s varsity volleyball match, seniors Rachelle Cloutier, Madeline Dumont, Lilly McLean and Savannah Heanssler were all presented with a small gift to thank them and their parents for their years of dedication to Windham sports. Windham’s varsity volleyball team then capped off the event by beating Massabesic, 3-0, after rallying in the third set to seal their win and end the regular season showing how strong a team they are.

Windham senior Madeline Dumont hit the ball over the net
during a varsity volleyball match against Massabesic at
Windham High School on Monday, Oct. 16.
PHOTO By MATT PASCARELLA  

“That third [set] was a comeback,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chuck Fleck. “I would say determination and focus led to the win. “There was a good chemistry on the court; a good way to end the season.”

Windham scored a couple points right away in the first set; they soon had a 5-1 lead over the Mustangs. Libero Heanssler’s serving earned several points to widen their lead. Windham had great teamwork and kept up their momentum as they pulled away from Massabesic. Windham was smart with the ball and made it hard for Massabesic to return serves. In a short time, Windham was up by 10 points. While Massabesic caught up a little, Windham couldn’t be stopped and took this set 25-17. Windham sophomore Sydney Harmon had four kills; an offensive attack unreturnable by the opponent.

That momentum for the Lady Eagles did not lessen for the remainder of the match. They scored immediately in the second set. There were excellent volleys and soon the game was tied at nine. Massabesic was only two points away from a tied set. Windham wasn’t about to let that happen and began to pull ahead. Sophomore Jezabelle Pinto had three kills. Windham won this set, 25-16.

“It was a lot,” said Heanssler. “We worked as a team and pulled it together – I didn’t want this season to end. It shows how much our team has grown throughout the season and we’ve come together. Our communication and really just trusting each other [went well]; end on a good note and do it for the team.”

The third set really showcased the skill Windham has. Massabesic jumped to a 5-0 lead. The Mustangs pulled away while Windham only had a couple points on the scoreboard. Windham did not get down on each other or stop persevering and began to mount a comeback. The cheers from the crowd echoed throughout the gymnasium as Windham turned the tables and was only down by three. Heanssler tied the game at 18. Windham soon took a 23-19 lead. With Windham sophomore Lauren Neal serving, it was quickly match point for the Lady Eagles. After a few tense moments, with Windham working hard to earn the win, this set was theirs, 25-19.

“It was definitely a difficult [third] set and we’ve always struggled with mental toughness, but ... we were really able to push through, and it was really awesome to watch it all come together,” said Neal. “We have a system of coming together and talking about what we can change, what we can do differently and just executing it and I think that’s really awesome. Knowing you have the support of your teammates, your coaches and everyone in the student section is just amazing. Communication and coverage have really improved over the course of the season.”

Overall, McLean scored eight points throughout the match, Harmon had 5.5, Pinto and Heannsler each had 4. <