BELCHERTOWN — The Belchertown girls volleyball team came out determined to redeem itself against Chicopee.
The Orioles suffered their lone Southern League loss to the Pacers in September, but on Monday night it was an entirely different match.
Belchertown dominated in straight sets to take down Chicopee 25-20, 25-22, 25-14 with contributions from all over the court.
Much of Belchertown’s success stemmed from strong and confident play throughout all three sets, including a number of one-handed diving volleys and countless rallies that eventually went in its favor. The Orioles trailed early during the first two sets, but worked back from scores of 10-3 and 9-2 to finish on top 25-20 and 25-22, respectively.
Audra Hale and Quinn Roche played assertive volleyball in the frontcourt all game, communicating with one another to consistently block Chicopee and set up plays leading to kills for Belchertown.
“Audra did an amazing job,” said coach Scott Poulin. “I was moving her around the entire front all game and her hitting was phenomenal. Marissa Courchesne, our other middle, hurt her knee cap at the end of last week. … Audra hasn’t played middle for two years.”
Hale recorded five kills with one error, and contributed two aces off the serve. She has played opposite hitter, outside hitter and middle blocker for Belchertown (13-3, 5-1 Southern) this season.
Roche, the only non-senior starter, alternated with Hale in the frontcourt. Roche and senior Cara McKenzie led the team with three blocks each.
Roche played well down the stretch, getting her arms up play after play to shut down the Pacers (8-6, 3-3) midway through each set.
“We had awesome blocking today from Quinn Roche,” said Poulin.
McKenzie (12 kills, nine errors) struggled with errors early, but took over in the third set. McKenzie was responsible for five straight points to rally Belchertown to a 9-8 lead, swinging momentum in its direction.
During the run, McKenzie dove forward from middle court and threw her fist at a ball with heavy spin that slid over the net and fell between Chicopee’s lines. The Belchertown bench exploded after the play.
Senior Becca Brozek held the backcourt together, making multiple one-handed plays to keep the ball alive. Along with Sarah Woodford, the duo passed well out of the backcourt to keep scoring opportunities going for the Orioles.
Belchertown has four games — Putnam, Ludlow, Sabis and South Hadley — remaining in the regular season.
“We have a tough game against Ludlow here on Friday,” said Poulin.
The Orioles host the Lions at 6 p.m. on Friday after traveling to Springfield on Thursday to take on Putnam at 5 p.m.