RallyNorth.net

Lawrence streaks into final

Monday, June, 03 By Jeff Hamrick

LAWRENCE — Having won 21 of 22, including each of the previous 19, Lawrence has faced little adversity on a volleyball court this season.

But that doesn't mean the Lancers don't know how to respond when put to the test.

The top-seeded Lancers advanced to the Division I North final for the first time in three years with a straight-set victory over fourth-seeded and defending state champion Cambridge Rindge & Latin last night. The 30-28, 25-21, 25-17 victory was Lawrence's 14th shutout of the season.

"They've shown persistence all through the season," coach Tony Hajjar said of his Lancers. "But it gets tougher now."

Cambridge (17-4) appeared on the verge of becomming only the eighth team to win a game against the Lancers, taking a 20-16 lead in the opener. But Lawrence battled back in the game that featured 18 ties and seven lead changes.

"We were nervous and didn't know what to expect," said senior setter Reiban Hiraldo, who had 30 assists. "We just had to get into synch. I don't think we were mentally prepared to get into the game."

Both teams had opportunities to secure the win, combining for five game points before an Anibal Henriquez slam and a couple of Falcon errors put Lawrence over the top.

"The first game we were jittery, knowing we were facing the state champion team," said senior middle hitter Christian Mayi, one of four Lancers with at least seven kills. "And we were going against one of the best players in New England (Jalen Penrose, who had 25 kills). So it was kind of nerve-racking, but we adjusted."

They certainly did as the Lancers ran up an eight-point lead in the second game then rebounded from a two-point deficit in the third with a 15-4 run that provided the night's biggest lead at 20-11 in the third.

"we've been practicing all year just for this moment," Hiraldo said. "We know every point is a treasure. Every point is valuable."

Next up is second-seeded St. John's Prep (20-3) at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Central Catholic High School. Lawrence, which lost to SJP in the 2010 North final, hopes to continue a hot streak that has seen the Lancers outscore opponents 36-1 the past 12 matches.

"Besides the 2005 team that went undefeated and won the state championship, this is the most consistent team that I've had," said Hajjar, in his 16th year. "I think the friendhsip they have together says a lot about them. I worry as a coach, but they say 'Coach, don't worry.'"