Nauset Girls Volleyball Earns Second Straight Victory In New Gymnasium

NORTH EASTHAM – For the Nauset girls volleyball team, home is where the winning happens.

 The Warriors made quick work of Rising Tide on Monday, cruising to a 3-0 victory in straight sets after earning 25-6, 25-13 and 25-9 wins. It marked the second consecutive home win for the squad, which is the first Nauset team to compete in the school’s newly-renovated gymnasium. 

 “I love being in the new gym,” said Olivia Richards, a senior captain from Eastham. “The vibe of the gym really makes a difference — it feels like we’re legit now at the same time that our team is legit this year.”

 Nauset (3-3) opened the new gymnasium with a 3-0 win over Monomoy on Sept. 13. Although the new gymnasium is still a work in progress — banners and flags have yet to be displayed on the walls and plastic covering remains on the basketball rims — it’s been a blessing for the team after hosting last year’s tryouts in Barnstable and games at Nauset Regional Middle School.

 “It’s such a relief to be here settled into our routine,” Nauset coach Sunny Hunter said. “It’s really good to have this space.”

 The team’s serving set the tone Monday, as the Warriors combined for 29 aces, including a team-high seven by senior captain Adrianna Morgan, who added two digs. Senior Carly Brand tallied six aces, while junior Stella Smith recorded five aces and three digs. 

 Senior Addie Kelsey posted a team-high four kills, while senior Lexie McWilliams and junior Anika Valley had two each. Richards anchored the team’s setting, finishing with 10 assists to bring her season total to 56 through six games.

 After battling through adversity with younger lineups in recent years, Hunter said it feels like a totally different team with seven seniors and three juniors on the roster.

 “I think something that stands out with this group more than any of the other teams I’ve coached the past few years is how tightly connected they are,” said the fourth-year coach. “I kept a smaller squad this year and I think that helps with that, but they are really good kids and they’re a family — that’s really helping us on the court.

“We have some great all-around athletes, some big hitters, some good servers and beautiful hands.”

The team’s connection is also felt by the players.

“We’re genuinely friends,” said Richards. “We have such a good relationship off the court and that really carries onto the court.”

Although the bulk of the team’s schedule is still to come, the Warriors aren’t shying away from their goals. Hunter said this is the year the team hopes to qualify for the postseason and make a state tournament appearance.

“We’re talking tournament,” Hunter said. “It’s a big goal, but we do feel it’s achievable this year. We’re 3-3 right now, which doesn’t seem like a huge deal, but for Nauset it definitely is. 

“We’re hoping to push to 4-3 on Friday at Sturgis West. We have eight more games to win this year in order to make it (to the postseason).”