Wayland Boys' Volleyball Loses, Despite Strong Third Set

 A three-set loss for Wayland boys' volleyball was not without mistakes, but a strong third set showed signs of improvement for the Orange and Black.

Losing 25-8 and 25-10 respectively in the first two sets, Wayland rallied in the third to drop a slim 25-17 set loss to host Lincoln-Sudbury on Friday.

“In the first set-and-a-half, I think our guys were a little overwhelmed by Lincoln-Sudbury,” said Wayland coach Rod Fletcher. “The longer they played the more they started to get in the flow.”

L-S (9-0) jumped out early, winning the first two sets by double digits.

Dominating the net throughout the two sets, L-S's John Swords combined for seven points in the second set, including five spikes for scores.

“We have some pretty fine back-row players, who are doing a good job of getting the ball up to the setters,” said L-S coach Elizabeth McClung. “The setters are placing the ball perfectly and the hitters are ready to connect. Everything is working really smoothly.”

Struggling to return L-S spikes, Wayland (0-7) was unable to return an overhand shot for points in the second set for the first 29 points. A quick dig on a Swords hit gave Wayland its first return on an overhand shot and a 22-8 score.

The hit proved too late as Swords and teammates Tommy Hannigan and Andy Driscoll ripped three more overhand points for the set.

“I told them do not worry about what Lincoln-Subdbury is doing and lets try to make plays on our side,” said Fletcher. “All you can do is play hard and the rest will take care of itself.”

With L-S changing lines in the the third set, Wayland jumped out to an early 10-9 lead with a pair of well-placed over-the-wall tips and a blocked spike. Three hits into the net and a missed dig put Wayland back down 13-10.

Despite a few two-point runs, Wayland would trail for the remainder of the set.

“With L-S, the jump serves and floaters are coming in with pace,” said Fletcher. “It is playing to a level of speed that we are not used to and I think there was a period of adjustment.”

After blocking a spike, the Orange and Black could not reach a ripped overhand shot by Devin Patel to put them down 24-17. Spiking a rolling serve over the chest of the returner, Patel sealed the victory for L-S.

“We had people who are usually back-row specialists coming in hitting,” said McClung. “Connor Shortell did a good job working on the outside.”

Wayland returns home to face Boston Latin (2-6) at 5:15 p.m. Monday.