All photos courtesy of Janard Jones/Lasell Athletics
On Thursday night, the women’s volleyball team was unable to extend their two-game win streak, falling to the Eastern Nazarene Lions three sets to zero. Although both teams matched up well with one another, the Lasers were never able to gain enough momentum in a rare loss at the Athletic Center.
Reigning New England Collegiate Conference coach of the year, Derek Schmitt, proved why he earned that title last season, as his squad won each set by five points. The communication, teamwork, and execution of the Lions were near flawless.
For the Lasers, communication was a struggle. Head coach Jeff Vautrin says that his team looked slow from the beginning and did not come out with the intensity that they needed.
“They have some really good players…and we did not adjust to our game plan,” Vautrin said. “They took advantage of us.”
The Lasers’ coach also said that a part of the loss may have come from the fact that the Lasers had swept the Lions in a scrimmage before the season, causing them to underestimate their opponent.
“It gave us this idea that this would be an easier game,” said Vautrin.
The lasers lost all three sets 25-20, with the final point of the first set coming on an attack error and the final point of the second and third sets coming off a kill.
It was not all bad news for the Lasers, however.
When asked about some of the bright spots of the game, Coach Vautrin says the middles did well blocking and freshman libero Maddie Caro stood out on defense.
The Lasers, who now fall two games under .500, will travel to Elms College where they will have a match on Saturday, October 1 at 12 p.m.
Until then, Vautrin says the team will have lots to go over tomorrow and “hopes for the best” against the Bolts.