The No. 19 Lynn Classical volleyball team has had lots of strong moments this season. So when coach Chris LeBlanc says, “This was, without question, the game of the year for us,” you know it was a good one.
His Rams – in just their second season as a program – stunned No. 14 Fitchburg in a five-set thriller on Saturday to advance to the Round of 16 in Division 2 against three-seeded Wayland (Monday at 5 p.m.
). Set scores were 21-25, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, and 16-14. “We played nervous in the first set and we fell behind early,” LeBlanc said.
“We stepped up as a team and had our best day on the biggest stage. We knew Fitchburg was going to play hard and that coming out of there with a win would be a challenge. We also had to deal with one of our starters being out for the second consecutive game.
He was replaced in the starting lineup by freshman Finn Dalferro, who played great for us.” Leading Classical’s charge were Josh Gonzalez (14 kills, 6 blocks, 2 digs), Kenzel Lantano (40 assists, 5 aces, 6 digs), and Viet Tran (14 kills, 4 aces, 6 digs, block). “The coaching staff couldn’t be more proud of these guys.
They fought all day,” LeBlanc said. “No one expected us to make it to the Round of 16. We are a second-year team that we’re watching grow up right in front of our eyes.
” VOLLEYBALL Doherty Memorial 3 Lynn Tech 0 No. 41 Lynn Tech won a dozen games this spring – one in the D2 state tournament – but met its end against No. 9 Doherty on Saturd.
