H.S. Roundup: Smith Voc girls volleyball returns to win column, thumps Science & Tech, 3-0

NORTHAMPTON — After suffering just it’s second loss of the season earlier in the week, the Smith Vocational girls volleyball team used Wednesday to regroup and get back to its rhythm.

The Vikings lost to Renaissance for the second time on Monday. The Phoenix are the only team to take down Smith Voc this season.

The pair of defeats gave the Vikings a dose of adversity before the playoffs and allowed them gauge where they need to improve.

“Communication is key, and getting out of our heads,” Smith Voc head coach Ashley Clark said. “We should’ve fought harder.”

Smith Voc returned to form with a quick 3-0 sweep over Sci-Tech at home on Wednesday. It was the fifth match of the year the Vikings won in three sets.

Irelyn Marcoux opened the first set with a kill and pair of aces. The senior set the tone for early for the Vikings. After the Cybercats used a six-point run to narrow the score to 12-11, Smith Voc matched with a run of their own to win the set 25-18.

“I think we had good communication and we played as a team,” Marcoux said. “We didn’t get in our heads.”

She recorded another three aces in the second set for a team-high of five on the night. Marcoux found her spots throughout the match by landing 11 kills.

“She pretty much can play anywhere,” Clark said. “She’s very flexible. She hit a couple shots out but other than that, she was pretty steady and able to find holes in spots to hit.”

After falling behind 3-0 to start the second set, the Vikings quickly retook the lead and broke away after four aces from senior Leah Franklin sparked an 8-0 run. The Vikings didn’t take their foot off the gas pedal to win 25-12.

As the lone two seniors on the team, Franklin and Marcoux have taken on the leadership roles for a young, but battle-tested team.

“Honestly, it’s just being outgoing as possible and being there for anybody,” Marcoux said.

Junior Haleigh Sanchez got signficant playing time for the first time this season. She contributed in each set, totaling three aces and six kills.

“It all comes down to the work she put in practice the day before,” Clark said. “She was on her game. She was showing that she deserved. And she also showed up to play in the game.”

In the final set, libero Hecmarie Diaz Lopez got three consecutive aces to add to a team total of 17. The junior came into the game needing 36 digs to reach 1,000 for her career. With the Vikings on the attack throughout the game, opportunities were limited, but she still picked up 14 during the match to inch closer to the milestone.

“She’s very supportive, always there to help anybody on or off the court, whoever needs it,” Marcoux said. “She’s everywhere on the court. Always has good energy, good attitude and is a good player.”

The Vikings scored the final five points of the set to win 25-15 and beat Sci-Tech for the second time this season.

The team’s next three matches are against league opponents it’s already beaten this year in Pope Francis, Ware and Southwick.

Girls soccer

Northampton 1, South Hadley 0 — Lilah Sage scored the game’s only goal as the Blue Devils bested the Tigers.

Northampton’s Anna Oravec made three saves for the shutout, while South Hadley’s Olivia Athas totaled 10 saves.

These two teams played to a scoreless draw in September.

Boys soccer

Hampshire 2, Taconic 1 — The Raiders halted their three-game losing streak with the victory over the Thunder.

Vynce Carr and Patrick Schmidt posted strikes for Hampshire, while Isaiah Isa earned the win with five saves.

Field hockey

Belchertown 0, Southwick 0 — Neither team broke through in the draw.

Orioles goalie Lila Roy recorded 14 saves.

Golf

Easthampton 156, St. Mary’s 205 — Tanner Kmetz shot a personal best three-under par 31 to carry the Eagles to the win at Wyckoff Country Club.

Amelia Gruber (41), Jacob Murrett (41) and Brady McGinn-Stevens (43) rounded out Easthampton’s score.

Chicopee Comp 154, Amherst 163 — The Hurricanes fell to the Colts at Amherst Golf Club.

Graham Van Geissen and Sawyer Ferro each shot 39 to pace Amherst.

Hampshire 175, Southwick 185 — Wes Adamski earned medalist honors as the Raiders edged the Rams at Southampton Country Club.

Adamski carded a three-over par 39, while Brayden Fennessy (41), Cole Boissonneault (47) and Nico Johnson (48) factored into Hampshire’s overall score.