Lee Trawick
reporter2@riverbendnews.org
The Branford High School volleyball team went to play against the Newberry High School Panthers on Wednesday, Sept. 6. The Buccaneers had an undefeated record of 6-0, while the Panthers have had a tough start to the season with a record of 3-4. Junior Andi Sabourin leads the Bucs with her potent and high-flying offense, while junior Erika Rioux anchors their defense. They have maintained their perfect record primarily due to the excellent performances of their big hitters, Jayden Mosley, Kennedy Walker and Madison Ward.
Sabourin dominated the match against the Panthers in all three sets. She engaged Ward early and constantly read the Panthers' defense, keeping them off-balance. Sabourin strategically set her team's offense to attack the Panthers' weak points throughout the game. Whenever the Panthers tried to answer, Rioux was there to fend off any offensive attack they had. The Panthers had yet to respond to Sabourin's superior play.
The Branford girls' presence was a significant factor in the first set, and the Panthers seemed to be affected by it more than they would like to admit. The Panthers played hesitantly and seemed in awe as the Buccaneers took an early lead, led by Ward and Sabourin. The Bucs easily won the first set, 25-16, without facing a serious challenge.
During the second set, Walker, the reigning Riverbend News Player of the Year, showcased her skills by dominating the net and scoring 10 kills that the Panthers could not stop. Sabourin quickly connected with Walker and allowed her teammate to attack the net throughout the night. As a result, the Branford girls won the second set with a score of 25-18.
In the third set, the Buccaneers counted on Rioux to finish the job; the Panthers gave them a good fight but ultimately failed to break Rioux's defense. Even though the Panthers pushed the Bucs to the extra points with a score of 26-24, Rioux stood firm and dashed their hopes of making a comeback. Their speed and communication allowed them to sweep the Panthers in three straight sets.
The Branford girls then continued their winning ways on Thursday, Sept. 7, against the Chiefland Indians by claiming all three sets and extending their record to 8-0.