Knights won all three sets against Independence Blue Devils Friday night at their first weekend home game, bringing their record to 3W 2L. Independence played close in the first two sets, but were left to trail behind significantly in the third and final set.
The Nordonia students found the Knights’ auditorium comfortable and fun to hang out on a chilly Friday night to root on their fellow classmates. Nordonia sure loves their weekend sports and showing off their school spirit!
Coach Rocco Covelli said, “We scrambled to change the lineup the night before the game, as we found out our starting setter would be out. However, #12 Connell Rafferty did a good job as his first time setting. #13 Brandon Matteo, #1 Gianni Covelli, and #0 EJ Sopata worked great together with so many kills tonight! #21 Cameron Anquillaire got some varsity playing time as a freshman”.
Knights had to do some rearranging of their starting lineup as their setter was out for Friday night’s game. Junior Connell Rafferty stepped up as starting setter, and Freshman Cameron Anquillaire saw varsity playtime as Libero.
“We had to adjust as a whole team but we figured it out quickly with the lineup change. I have to dig the ball more when I play Libero, but enjoyed playing setter tonight”, Rafferty remarked.
Juniors #3 Anthony Coneglio, Covelli, and Matteo blocked most of the volleys that came their way, providing so many kills and punching it back over the net with power and precision. These varsity players can jump, often clearing a few feet or more to reach the ball midair, and deliver it back to their opponents.
In the first set, Independence called their first timeout as Nordonia was up 24-22, but fell short to Nordonia 25-22. In the second set, Nordonia kept a consistent five- point lead as Independence scrambled for a play to work out, and volleys were delivered back against many of their spiking attempts, with greater force. During the third and final set, Freshman #21 Cameron Anquillaire served up a six-point lead with some aces mixed in, proving his consistent serving skills and earning his playtime. Cameron Anquillaire added, “I enjoyed playing with the upper classmen and I was confident that we were going to win tonight’s game.” The third and final set ended with Nordonia Knights firing up 25-11, cooling the Blue Devils.
