Needham uses late run to knock off Natick

NEEDHAM — In a game that looked like Natick had control of, Needham found a way to dig deep and right the ship with a couple of late runs to end sets.

Using a 15-5 run to erase a 16-10 deficit in the fourth set, Needham took the final set 25-21 to upend Bay State Conference rival Natick, 3-1, at home Tuesday night.

“We’ve been working on staying steady no matter what is happening on the scoreboard,” said Needham coach Courtney Chaloff about being able to rally in the fourth. “Trying to focus on what is in front of us and we are a very strong team when it comes to doing just that.”

It was the serving prowess of senior outside hitter Albina Miloshi that took charge in the fourth set as she had six straight service points to end the fourth, including two aces in the final three points to close the contest on a 7-0 run for Needham (9-0).

“(Miloshi) has an incredible jump serve,” Chaloff said. “It’s such a different look. … When you have a player come in like that with a whole new look on a serve — it’s hard.”

Senior captain Lila Carr took care of business in the first and third sets as she notched five kills apiece in those two sets. She finished with 15 kills to go along with five blocks.

“(Carr) has done a really excellent job at finding those spots to go,” said Chaloff. “She’s very good at dialing it in. She can see the defense and she can see the block. … She’s very good at adjusting.”

Natick (7-2) took advantage of 10 unforced hitting errors for the Rockets in the second to take their lone set, 25-20, and knot the score 1-1 after Needham won the first set, 25-18. The Rockets were able to end the third on an 8-3 run with Needham ending the set on a 4-0 run to win it, 25-20.

Natick will get a rematch Thursday when it hosts Needham at 4 p.m.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2PLC6f3