Wolverines Spike Stoughton

The Westwood High School girls' volleyball team defeated Stoughton Monday night in straight games, 28-26, 25-18, 25-19, improving to 2-1 overall on the season.

The Wolverines are already halfway to their win total from last year, in which they finished 4-16.

Westwood coach Jay Warren said the improvements are all based on team.

"They haven't had a team atmosphere in awhile," said Warren, "so we're constantly working on team volleyball."

After trailing early in the first game 17-6, and later facing game point at 24-20, senior Leigh Ronan held her serve for five consecutive points as Westwood climbed back for its first lead of the game at 25-24. The Wolverines went on to win the game 28-26, igniting their 3-0 victory.

Westwood closed out the win in convincing fashion with co-captain Leah Lessard leading the way for the Wolverines. Lessard loomed large at
the net, blocking five shots and also forcing Stoughton into making numerous errors with her defensive play.

"She believes in herself, she is focused and is constantly working," Warren said. "She sees a lot of ball movement on the other side and she's good at following it and that makes a huge difference."

Junior Bele Wariboko worked well at the net with Lessard, adding two blocks and a kill. Juniors Carol Han and Emileigh Rau and senior Leigha Valentine also contributed to the Wolverines kill totals. Junior Chrissa Salemis had the lone ace of the match for Westwood.

The Wolverines return to action on Tuesday, September 21 at Tri-Valley Conference rival Millis, as they look to open the season winning three of their first four games.