Volleyball crushes Panthers

OCTOBER 18, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM-

In their third match in four days, the Blazers dominated a weak Paint Branch High School squad in three games with scores of 15-1, 15-13 and 15-7, improving their own record to 6-5. Paint Branch dropped to 1-10.

Blair's confidence ran higher and higher as they played, occasionally prompting sloppy play but allowing for greater positional flexibility. Several players played out of position, especially in the third game.

Junior outside hitter Jeanne Yang was setter in place of sophomore captain Amanda Hsiung, sophomore middle hitter Carey Bartlett went a full rotation and got a chance to serve instead of subbing out as usual, and several of the other starters were on the bench. "I put my subs in to give them experience. I let Carey Bartlett play around because I believe she could do that consistently," said Coach Jamie Franck, adding that Yang was one of the setters earlier in the season under the old 6-2 (two setter) strategy.

Sophomore back row Rebecca Cho took advantage of the starting opportunity, begining game three by serving for eight consecutive points. "Rebecca Cho had an outstanding serving game and also had good defensive play," said Franck.

The Blazers look ahead now to their last two games, needing to win at least one to maintain a winning season. "They're tough," said Franck of the opponents, Northwest and Wootton high schools. "Wootton has always been a good team. When I was in high school [Blair class of '89], Wootton won five consecutive state championships."