LYNN — One word: loud.
The Lynn Classical crowd was in full effect Thursday as the No. 16 Rams (18-3) defeated the No. 17 Lynnfield Pioneers (10-10), 3-2, in the first round of the Division III state tournament.
One of the Rams’ three regular season losses came at the hands of Lynnfield just a few weeks ago – in 3-0 fashion, no less.
With a chance to avenge themselves, the Rams advanced in set scores of 25-15, 26-24, 23-25, 24-26, and 15-13.
Classical coach Chris LeBlanc said his team’s win was “well-deserved,” but knew it took a whole lot of hard work.
“We worked really hard on what we thought cost us [the first game against Lynnfield] over the last two weeks. And as you saw, the results were different tonight,” he said. “It’s all because they’ve worked so hard the last couple of weeks.”
Lynnfield coach Brent Ashley declined to comment.
Four of the five sets were won by two points, which was just a small representation of the night’s intensity.
After the Rams took a 2-0 lead – sending their home faithful into a frenzy – it seemed as if their momentum was unstoppable.
“They needed [the crowd] and they fed off them tonight. You know, we have decent crowds here every night, but this was different,” LeBlanc said. “[It felt like] we had somebody in our corner. They stayed up all night long. That’s all we can ask for.”
But, Lynnfield was the 17th best team in the division for a reason, climbing back to even the match.
After pulling out two close wins in the third and fourth sets, a winner-take-all match was underway.
In set five, LeBlanc called a timeout after the Rams fell 8-5, but after a 8-3 run, they put themselves back in the driver’s seat.
Lynnfield tied things up, 13-13, but the Rams found their final stride to take the match.
Captain Linda Jallow’s (6 kills, 4 aces) massive block gave Classical a one-point advantage and a Lynnfield passing error sealed the deal on its season.
Rams’ setter Emma Chevalier also enjoyed a big night with 28 assists and two aces.
When asked how his team fought through swaying emotions, LeBlanc pointed to one of its strengths.
“[They’re] very good at staying in the moment and not being overwhelmed by the moment, and that’s all they did,” he said. “They just didn’t quit.”
The Rams face the winner of No. 1 Medfield and No. 33 Falmouth.
“I think we’re going to have a couple good days of practice. We’re going to watch some film,” LeBlanc said. “I’m just so proud of the kids for stepping up in this huge moment. It was awesome.”
