AC Volleyball Faces Lynnfield In MIAA Tourney

Arlington MA

12 November, 2021

10:59 AM

Description

Your Arlington Last Updated: 12 November 2021 Written by Bob Sprague The Arlington Catholic girls' volleyball team is a win away from the MIAA Division 4 final four, and Coach Mae Driscoll is excited the team is facing what may its toughest competition all season, second-ranked Lynnfield. "They are a tough opponent with strong athletes and a strong program history," she wrote of the team whose record is 20-4. "But we have been working hard to prepare ourselves as much as we can for the tournament knowing there were going to be tough teams ahead." AC's record is 14-7. Seventh-ranked Arlington Catholic, which topped Ursuline Academy, 3-0, at Arlington to reach the quarterfinal. The Cougars play at Lynnfield at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Of six Arlington-based school teams participating in this year's MIAA tourney, AC is last still competing. 'Team chemistry' Driscoll told YourArlington on what she is basing some of her hope: "Our athletes have learned to depend on and find strength in our team chemistry, and despite the challenge ahead, I feel confident that they are in a good mental space to play a competitive match." She noted high points, and the students behind them: "Our serving has greatly improved throughout the season with the help of Rachel Murphy, our senior libero, and Addison O'Donovan, our sophomore outside hitter. "Given the amount of serving we do in practice, it makes sense that our receive game has improved right alongside it. Maggie Milne, our senior outside hitter, has received 400 serves this season with only 27 errors, an impressive number given how often she is our first contact. "Kara MacDonald, our senior setter, only began setting last season during our crazy Covid season in Fall 1 and has worked tirelessly to become the leader on the court our team needed in that position. "MaKenzie Williams and Alison O'Keefe, our senior middle hitters, have really started to connect with their setters ensuring their place as strong offensive options throughout the season. "Nora Svendsen, junior, and other setter in our 6-2 offense, has put up more than 340 assists to date, and over 230 digs, working hard in difficult sets to keep the team engaged and motivated." 'So proud' Looking at the team overall, she wrote: "I am already so proud of the team and the way they have come together, the confidence they have shown and the energy they have put into their season. We look forward to seeing Lynnfield again and hope to play at the top of our game." The team roster: Maggie Milne (Capt.), 34, Senior, OHAlison O'Keefe (Capt.), 14, Senior, MHKara MacDonald (Capt.), 26, Senior, S/RSRachel Murphy, 95, Senior, LMakenzie Williams, 11, Senior, MHKatie Riley, 8, Senior, DSMichelle Costa, 46, Senior, MHNora Svendsen, 21, Junior, S/RSCaitlin Cinella, 13, Junior, OHNatalie Dougherty, 28, Junior, M/OHDanielle Tully, 17, Junior, DSAddison O'Donovan, 19, Sophomore, OH YourArlington.com has provided news and opinion about Arlington, Mass., since 2006. Publisher Bob Sprague is a former editor at The Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Arlington Advocate. Read more at https://www.yourarlington.com/about.