Reading Volleyball Dominates Season Opener

The Reading Rockets made quick work of the Winchester Sachems on Friday afternoon, winning three consecutive games to walk away with their first match victory, 25-12, 25-16, 25-13. 

"I love the communication I heard on the court. I thought it was a great first start and they all came out strong and confident," said head coach Michelle Hopkinson.

In game one, the score remained relatively even until the Rockets found their rhythm and pulled away at 4-4.

Reading scored 10 consecutive times before the Sachems could take another point. It ended up being too little too late for Winchester, however, and Reading was easily able to dominate the remainder of game one, taking the quick 25-12 victory. 

Junior middle-hitter Melissa Dal Pozzo was a force for the Rockets, registering 10 kills and two stuff blocks. 

"She wants to stay in the game and is a great competitor," Hopkinson said. "To have her on the court with the new players is a really good thing for us, she is such a presence and played outstanding."

Game two was less one-sided than game one, as the Sachems were able to go point-for-point with the Rockets until late in the game. Reading managed to pull away once again, however, taking game two 25-16. 

The Rockets kept their cool in game three, playing consistent defense and level-headed offence. They won the game 25-13, earning their first victory of the season. 

According to Hopkinson, many players heavily contributed to the Rocket's first win, including Dal Pozzo, Hannah Conroy, Olivia Healy, Morgan O'Brien, and Kasey Cameron. 

"(Conroy) is our new setter and we didn't know what to participate in the new line up. We changed up our rotation with new starters, and our setter did an outstanding job. She worked really hard today," Hopkinson said. 

Senior Kasey Cameron also had a strong season-opener, registering seven kills of her own. Cameron recently switched from middle-hitter to outside-hitter, and Hopkinson is pleased with the change. 

"I knew she was going to come out strong. She's a senior and one of my veteran players. I can trust her to play all around," Hopkinson said. 

Promising newcomer Morgan O'Brien also made an impressive varsity debut. She had 15 service points and three aces.

"Morgan had a great serving game, she's a brand new varsity player, and did a great job," Hopkinson said. 

The whole team had an impressive defensive outing, especially sophomore Olivia Healy, who Hopkinson describes as the "best defensive player of the day." She led the team with nine defensive digs.

Next up, the Rockets will take on Watertown away Monday at 4 p.m.