BINGHAMTON – The Chenango Forks Blue Devils hosted Norwich's varsity volleyball in what some would’ve seen as a lopsided affair due to a somewhat depleted Norwich roster.
However, depth on the team was not an issue whatsoever for the lady Tornado, although fielding a much younger team for this go around with Chenango Forks, Norwich emerged the 3-0 victors on the day, Oct. 12.
“Sickness hit our team tonight...,” said Norwich head coach Shelly Alger. “...I went with the younger team who played the first two games for us tonight. Serving was key...”
Norwich's younger roster took the opportunity to flourish in the absence of some of the elder players.
Alexis Taylor and Virginia Mauriano each managed to gain seven serves in a row at one point, while Madison Shackelton found herself racking up nine serves in a row. However, most impressive on the night was Ripley Strong who reached an astonishing 17 serves in a row in Norwich's second set win.
In the sweep for Norwich, they earned a 3-0 match victory by scores of 25-12 in the first set, 25-17 in the second set, and 25-18 to close out the win.
“Very impressed with the girls tonight,” said coach Alger.
Norwich impressively saw 10 girls rack up individual statistics as they relied on everyone to earn the road win. Jazmin Rodriguez had one ace and one kill; Riley Strong had one ace and four assists; Kara Evans had two aces, three kills, and one dig; Kalie Binelli had one kill; Madison Shackelton had five aces and one dig; Leahanne Humphrey had three assists; Kalie Fleming had three assists and one dig; Virginia Mauriano had four kills, and two digs; Ripley Strong had seven aces; and Alexis Taylor had three aces, two kills, and one dig.
Norwich will now play home for their next match on Thursday, Oct. 13, as they host Susquehanna Valley. The match is set to begin in the NHS gymnasium at 6:30 p.m.