They were coming off one of their most important wins of the season and facing a weaker opponent, which is often a recipe for a letdown. But there was none of that for the girls of the Concord volleyball team Friday night as the Crimson Tide took care of business against Manchester Central – 25-8, 25-8, 25-9.
It was the sixth 3-0 win of the season for undefeated Concord, which has reeled off 10 straight victories to start its campaign. But when the Tide takes the floor for its next match – Monday at Londonderry – the players will tell themselves the season is just beginning.
“We have made it a point this year that every game we picture we’re at 0-0,” Concord Coach Jonthan Flower said. “It’s a philosophy we’re trying to adopt that it doesn’t matter what the score is, it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about every single time we touch the ball we want to do the best we can. And we’ve even been trying to tell the girls ‘don’t look up at the scoreboard until somebody blows the final whistle. Just look up at the end and be surprised at who won.’ ”
There was little room for surprise Friday night against Central (1-9), which simply made too many errors to challenge Concord. Lauren Hatch had 12 kills and two blocks for the Tide, Bekah Jauhola-Straight had seven kills and Caitlyn Shea had 18 assists to bring her season total to 260.
Shea broke the school assist record of 1,588 in Concord’s Sept. 21 game against Timberlane. She will easily move into second place on the state’s all-time assist list and she has a chance to break the record of 2,061 that Merrimack’s Joanne Coffey set last year.
“Caitlyn is the general out there,” Flower said. “There’s no question she’s the leader of the team.”
She’s also led a resurgence in Concord’s ball control game.
“They really have quicker feet, so they’re getting to the ball and getting into position,” Flower said. “And this team also trusts each other. Out of the back we have a new libero this year, Brenna Vandersea, and she has been leading the defense.”
Hatch, as usual, has been leading the offense and has 153 kills this season. But another key for the Tide’s success has been the emergence of two other offensive threats in Maria Wimpey (59 kills) and Jauhola-Straight (53 kills).
Concord has posted solid wins against some of D-I’s best – 3-1 against Alvirne (9-2) and 3-0 at Merrimack (7-3). But Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Hollis-Brookline (7-3) – an 18-25, 28-26, 25-18, 25-10 comeback – may have been the year’s most important win … so far.
“They were almost a little too excited to play Hollis. They came out incredibly stiff, lost the first set and barely won the second,” Flower said. “But this group of girls doesn’t lose heart. I have never seen them look defeated regardless of what’s going on.”
John Stark 3, Fall Mountain 0
Key players: John Stark – Jillian Douzanis (5 kills, 2 aces, 7 digs), Cassidy Gilman (10 kills, ace), Piper MacLean (5 aces, 10 digs), Nicole Yelle (26 assist, 3 kills, 5 aces)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals won on the road (25-21, 25-17, 25-22) to extend their winning streak to eight.
Coach’s quote: “It’s nice to win and not play to your potential. The girls found a way to win. We need to cherish every win.” – John Stark’s Jeff McClellan
Records: John Stark 8-1; Fall Mountain 1-8
Hillsboro-Deering 3, Stevens 0
Key players: H-D – Nicole Mooney (6 aces, 5 assists, 2 kills), Kristina Stevens (3 aces, 3 assists), Kimmie Rodier (3 aces), Kaelyn Snair (3 aces)
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats won two of the three sets by double digits – 25-8, 25-12 and 25-21.
Coach’s quote: “The girls really came together tonight and set up some great plays on the court. We had multiple girls with assists and kills tonight which really shows the shared communication and coverage on the court for one another.” – H-D’s Nicole LaRoche
Records: H-D 2-8; Stevens 0-8
Londonderry 34, Concord 13
Key players: Concord – Reid Ljungholm (74-yard fumble return for a touchdown), Christian McLellan (TD pass), Gavin Moody (TD catch), George Tarwo (PAT block)
Highlights/key moments: McLellan connected with Moody for a touchdown before the half to pull the Tide to within 13-7 at the break. But the Lancers scored two third-quarter touchdowns to open a comfortable lead before Ljungholm’s defensive score.
Records: Concord 1-4; Londonderry 1-4
Bow 30, Kingswood 7
Key players: Bow – Justin Mooney (3 TD), Mac Kimball (30-yard FG, 3-for-4 PAT), Jack Corriveau (TD)
Highlights/key moments: Mooney gave the Falcons a 7-0 lead when he scored from two yards out in the first quarter. Kingswood answered with a long touchdown run, but Bow took a 17-7 lead into halftime after a 12-yard scoring run from Mooney and a field goal from Kimball. The defense – led by Nate Alford, Duke Biehl, Mooney and Kimball – came up with a big stop in the third quarter that led to a touchdown drive.
Coach’s quote: “It was a well-rounded team victory. There are still some mistakes we have to clean up and adjustments we have to make to make sure we’re firing on all cylinders for next week. We know Kennett (next week’s opponent) is a very good team.” – Bow’s Paul Cohen
Records: Bow 4-1; Kingswood 0-5
Pembroke 22,
Manchester West 12
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans claimed their first win of the season by downing West in Pembroke. After allowing 45.3 points per game through the first four contests, the Pembroke defense buckled down.
Records: Pembroke 1-4; West 0-5
Stevens 44, Kearsarge 32
Highlights/key moments: The two teams combined for 42 points in the first quarter and Kearsarge held a 32-30 lead at halftime, but Stevens hung on to claim this shootout in Claremont and stay undefeated.
Records: Kearsarge 3-2; Stevens 5-0
Concord 0, Manchester Central
Key players: Concord – Liam Devanny (8 saves), Liam Bennett (defense), Cole Gorham (defense), Ngongo Mungeta (midfield), Adam Bryant (midfield), Chea Chebo (pressure up top)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks and a 17-15 edge in shots in this night game at Gill Stadium. Bennett and Gorham anchored the back line of a defense that posted its fifth shutout in six games and held Central scoreless for the first time this season. Devanny was excellent handling crosses in the box.
Coach’s quote: “It was 100 minutes of up-and-down-the-field and high-paced soccer. Two good teams going at each other and we played well, we just couldn’t find the back of the net.” – Concord’s Scott Dunlop
Records: Concord 7-2-1; Central 7-2-2
John Stark 1, Milford 0
Key players: John Stark – Jared Peterson (game-winning goal), Isaiah Lovering (assist), Tim Currier (defense), Tyler Restuccia (defense), Jake Reynolds, Ryan Nelson
Highlights/key moments: Peterson scored the lone goal six minutes into the game on an assist from Lovering.
Coach’s quote: “We were a bit rusty after the week-long break between games, but we got the win. The team will need to clean up their play for the upcoming games.” – John Stark’s Jeff Vogt
Records: John Stark 8-2; Milford 2-7-1
Bow 3, Plymouth 0
Key players: Bow – Max Elsasser (2 goals, assist), Chris Gallier (goal, 2 assists), Sullivan Blair (dominating midfield play), Chase Chamberlin (solid defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons scored all three goals in a three-minute span in the first half, upping their win streak to four.
Coach’s quote: “What a great way to end the month of September. We were belly up and gasping for air at the start of the month but are now fully inflated after winning seven of our last eight. No obituary yet, please.” – Bow’s George Pinkham
Records: Bow 7-4; Plymouth 3-7-1
Coe-Brown 1, Hollis-Brookline 0
Key players: Coe-Brown – Don MacCallum (goal), Alex Gray (assist), Noah Wojtkowski (assist), Max Fontaine
Highlights/key moments: Wotjkowski started the scoring play with a tackle and pass to Gray, who sent a through ball to MacCallum, and the senior forward finished it with three minutes left in the first half.
Coach’s quote: “We played good team defense in the final 20 minutes to eke out the win.” – Coe-Brown’s Christian Gompert
Records: Coe-Brown 6-4-1; Hollis-Brookline 2-8
Windham 3, MV 1
Key players: Merrimack Valley – James Shattuck (assist), Chase Mercier (goal) Cameron Woodman (midfield), Ryan Heath (defense), Adam Bodien (goalie)
Highlights/key moments: The Pride took a 1-0 lead when Mercier and Shattuck combined for a great goal, and MV took that lead into the second half before Windham scored three unanswered in the last 30 minutes.
Coach’s quote: “We need to focus on playing a complete game against top teams like Windham.” – MV’s Ken Fuller
Records: Merrimack Valley 1-9-1; Windham 9-1
H-D 1, Raymond 1
Key players: Hillsboro-Deering – Elijah Winters (goal), Gunner Hagstrom (Assist), Brad Sampson
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats fell behind by a goal after a well-placed shot from Raymond opened the scoring. Ten minutes later, Winters scored off a throw-in from Hagstrom. Sampson just missed the game-winner on a bending free kick.
Coach’s quote: “The lads put in their best performance of the year. We are starting to mature just in time for the playoffs.” – Hillsboro-Deering’s Joe Donnelly
Records: Hillsboro-Deering 2-7-2; Raymond 3-6-2
Manchester Central 4, Concord 1
Key players: Concord – Karley Richards (goal), Grace Devanny (assist), Ellie Pope (midfield)
Coach’s quote: “Although not reflected by the final score, Concord played a strong game and I am proud of the way we competed for a full 80 minutes.” – Concord’s Jeremy DuClos
Records: Concord 6-4; Central 9-1
Pembroke 6, Manchester West 0
Key players: Pembroke – Emilee Harlow (5 goals), Casey Bardier (goal, excellent leadership), Vicky Mudgett and Katelyn Young (shared second straight shutout), Kayla Paquin (assist), Courtney Jacques (defensive)
Highlights/key moments: Bardier opened the scoring with a great sideline run. Harlow scored all five of her goals in the second half.
Coach’s quote: “I am impressed the girls came together to earn another shutout in such convincing fashion.” – Pembroke’s Jess Croft
Records: Pembroke 8-2; Manchester West 1-9
Windham 2, MV 0
Key players:Merrimack Valley – Maddie Glazer (9 saves); Windham – Talia Giardino (goal), Ali Schiebel (goal)
Highlights/key moments: Windham scored late in the first half off a corner and only added a second after the Pride started pressing for a late equalizer.
Coach’s quote: “Played really well today against one of the top teams in the division. The girls brought intensity and looked strong, but finding the back of the net continues to elude us.” – Merrimack Valley’s Jeff Richards
Records: MV 1-9-1; Windham 8-0
H-D 4, Conant 2
Key players: Hillsboro-Deering – Bridgette Winters (goal, assist), Izabella Warren (goal, assist), Mara Grady (goal), Emily Gibson (goal), Taveya Ortiz (assist), Kiersten Clough (midfield), Morgan Racine (midfield), Madeline Parisi (defense), Melissa Veitch (8 saves)
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats conceded a minute in, but came back to take a 2-1 lead before Conant tied things going into the half. H-D controlled the second half with possession and took a lead in the 49th minute on a goal from Warren.
Coach’s quote: “It was great to see the girls improve their transition game.” – Hillsboro-Deering’s Susan Else
Records: H-D 9-2; Conant 6-4
Concord 2, Salem 1
Key players: Concord – Izzy Dunn (2 goals), Hayley Munroe (assist), Megan Martel (5 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Carly Torrance, Lauren Mullen and Dunn led a Concord attack that generated 15 shots on net.
Records: Concord 7-3; Salem 3-7
Goffstown 0, Merrimack Valley 0
Highlights/key moments: MV was held scoreless for the second game in a row.
Coach’s quote: “We have to find a way to put the ball in the net or we aren’t going to win any games. Good effort, but couldn’t finish!” – MV’s Kim Kenney
Records: MV 3-6-1; Goffstown 0-8-2
Bishop Brady 3, Newport 2
Key players: Bishop Brady – Lauren Roy (2 goals, assist), Ivory Story (goal), Kat Gallagher (assist), Emma Windsor (5 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Story scored with 4:12 to go in the first half, assisted by Roy, to give the Giants some momentum going into halftime. Roy scored the game winner with 6:32 left on the clock. The Giants held a 7-5 corner advantage for the game.
Records: Bishop Brady 3-8; Newport 1-8
Bow 4, John Stark 0
Key players:Bow – Sara Anoli (goal), Kirsten Wiesner (2 goals) , first of the season Brenna Novakowski (goal) Sonya Delorie (2 assists) Riley Hicks (assist); John Stark – Olivia Fatcheric (midfield), Elizabeth Aubin (midfield), Miranda Palmisano (defense), Melina Jackson (14 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Anoli, normally Bow’s goalie, was in the field and scored the first goal of her career. Wiesner scored just 6:30 into the game off a big drive and made it 2-0 a mere 53 seconds into the second half.
Coach’s quote: “Proud of our Generals today. They played very hard and made this a close game for most of the contest. Another positive step for our young program.” – John Stark’s Dennis Pelletier
Records: Bow 5-6; John Stark 1-9
Winnisquam 2, Laconia 0
Key players:Winnisquam – Emily Decormier (goal, assist), Makenzie Snow (goal), Kaylee Tierney; Laconia – Savannah Keets (big defensive plays), Devon Mello (midfield), Cheyenne Zappala (midfield)
Highlights/key moments: A corner led to Snow’s first-half goal, which came off a corner and was assisted by Decormier.
Coach’s quote: “We put two great halves together and played with Winnisquam. We were unlucky on our corners, but had scoring opportunities. It was a fun game to watch. I was proud of the way the girls played today.” – Laconia’s Hayley Ryan
“The entire team played extremely well.” – Winnisquam’s Cherie Snow
Records: Winnisquam 6-4; Laconia 2-8-1
Hopkinton 5, White Mountains 0
Key players: Hopkinton – Chloe Wood (goal, excellent midfield play), Amilia Thomas (goal, excellent midfield play), Avery Barret (goal, excellent midfield play), Lilly Hoffman (goal), Lyndon Flanagan (goal), Isabel Tobin (defense), Lily Tobin (defense)
Records: Hopkinton 5-4; White Mountains 2-8
Inter-Lakes first
Key players: Inter-Lakes – Nick Spicuzza (42, medallist), Tyler Reid (44), Ryan Hale (47) Michael Reed (50)
Highlights/key moments: The Lakers finished with a 183 to beat out Farmington (193), Sunapee (198) and Woodsville (211).
Records: Inter-Lakes 14-4; Farmington 10-9; Sunapee 5-15; Woodsville 5-15