Boston Latin Girls Volleyball Team Falls to Lincoln-Sudbury

It's hard enough to face the Lincoln-Sudbury girl’s volleyball team on any given day, and today the Wolfpack learned that it can even be harder when a coaching milestone is on the line.

Playing in a hostile improvement, the Boston Latin Wolfpack  (2-1), lost to the Lincoln-Sudbury Warriors (3-0) in straight sets (17-25, 11-25 and 6-25).

“They are definitely a team to model after,” said Boston Latin coach Kai Yuen. “It is hard going up against a team like LS because they don’t have any weak spots on the floor and that makes it extremely hard to go up against them. We excel in one or two positions, while they excel in all of them.”

Despite a first set that was fought hard from start to finish, Boston Latin couldn’t find an answer for the experience of the Warriors, especially on a day in which they had extra motivation, a chance to earn win number 300 for their head coach.

 “I am absolutely elated,” said Katalina on the accomplishment. “LS is the most incredible place to coach. The kids are amazing. They are passionate, they want to be here, and the wins come when they want to have fun.”

It took coach Katalina fifteen years to reach the 200 win mark, and only five years to gather 100 more wins to reach 300, doing it on home court with her with son in attendance as well.

Part of the success Katalina has found is due to her coaching style.  “If the kids aren’t having any fun when they come, then I am not doing my job.”

“I am having a blast getting it done [getting to win 300], when the alums come back you know you did your job.”

Katalina received countless phone calls and emails from alumni and parents wishing her good luck.

“Knowing you make an impact is why I am still coaching today.”

Senior Kelley White from Lincoln-Sudbury, and a member of the senior leadership council [in place of captains] couldn’t be happier to have Katalina as her coach.

“This is a great year to be a senior and to be a part of such a great accomplishment,” said White. “She [Katalina] makes us relax and that really forms us as a team.”

Certainly not lost in the afternoon was the dominating performance that Katalina’s team put forth.

The Warriors, behind another total team effort received 52 service points in the match, as well as 19 team kills, 15 aces and 13 blocked shots.

Lincoln-Sudbury hit their stride in the third and final set of the match winning 25-6 as they collected 21 service points in this set alone. Jessie Bursma had 4 blocks, while Alex Braverman (5 service points, and 2 aces), and Meghan Klapper (10 service points) led the offensive attack for the Warriors.

In the second set, the Boston Latin Wolfpack matched their biggest lead all afternoon, at 1-0, before LS went on their first of two 7-0 runs in the set. Boston Latin was plagued by 15 costly errors, while White (7 service points and 1 ace), Braverman (6 service point) and Whitney LaRow (4 service points), took over.

The most competitive set of the match was the first, but the Warriors still managed to come out victorious. With 7 kills and 6 blocked shots, LS was able to limit the damage while playing a defensively sound set to keep the Boston Latin offense at bay.

Yuen also had high praises for Katalina and the program she has been able to build at Lincoln-Sudbury.

During the post game celebration Katalina received two volleyballs, both to commemorate her 300th victory.

Now with their latest matchup against Lincoln-Sudbury behind them, the Wolfpack will continue their march towards a playoff berth and look forward to another matchup with the Warriors later in the season.