After a long-awaited 2020 volleyball season, the LM girls’ volleyball team is currently seated in first place in the Central League as they approach the Central League Championship match. It was not an easy battle to get the season rolling, but after a long summer of safely running open gyms and writing a thoughtful letter to the administration, a modified season was finally able to start. This season is unlike any other, all players and coaches are required to wear masks at all times, sanitize during breaks, and remain socially distant during practice. Large fans are also installed in the gym to keep good air flow throughout training sessions and matches. Despite the craziness of this season, the Aces have been able to quickly adapt to numerous safety measures while playing volleyball during a pandemic.
The season started off strong with a 3-0 win against Marple Newtown on Saturday, October 17. The Aces continued to keep it going, and beat Harriton, Springfield and Radnor as well. Even with these wins, the team could not let up as they had to face their most anticipated game against the ten-year Central League champions: Garnet Valley. Walking into the gym on the Jaguars’ senior night, the Aces had one thought on their minds: taking away their undefeated title. After a grueling, two hour, five-set match, the Aces brought home the long awaited win against one of the most talented and accomplished teams in District One. This game was truly the definition of blood, sweat, and tears. Every single one of the girls fought until the very end for this exciting win. “Securing this historical win with my teammates was definitely the highlight of my high school career,” says libero Talia Bierschwale ’21.
Winning the Garnet Valley game pushed everyone to continue working hard this season. The girls have been putting up big numbers on the statistics board as well. Bierschwale is currently at the top of the Central League leaderboard for digs this season, with 180. Outside hitter, Abiah Lane ’22, and middle blocker, Jasmine Plack ’21 were both recently featured in MaxPreps “Top 5 Blocks in Pennsylvania” during the weeks of October 26 and November 2, respectively. Middle blocker, Laila Newborn ’22, recently made her way onto the LM record board for career blocks, with 111. Additionally, middle blocker, Sophie Shin ’21, is among those leading the Central League with an impressive hitting percentage of .275. Lastly, outside hitter, Claire Hamilton ’23, is in the top three for kills in the Central League, with 86.
The team finished off the regular season with a record of 8-1, putting them in the first place seed for the Central League playoffs. On Monday, November 16, the Aces faced the Haverford Fords in the Central League quarterfinals, and celebrated Coach Lauren Perri’s hundredth varsity win after the team swept the Fords in three straight sets. The Aces then went on to battle the Ridley Green Raiders on November 18 in the semi-finals. The Aces led throughout the entire match, and took down the Ridley Green Raiders in three straight sets. Additionally, the team got to celebrate their amazing setter, Sara Beqiraj ’21 as she reached an incredible milestone of 1000 career assists. Unfortunately, the Aces lost in the Central League championship to the Garnet Valley Jaguars with a score of 3-1, but the future is looking bright for the team and they are excited for next season.
