George Stevens Academy freshman Evelyn Dagan places the ball over the net for a point during a home match against Calais on October 10.
By Franklin Brown
Blue Hill—With time and dedication comes experience, and, after going winless over the last two seasons, the George Stevens Academy volleyball team is finally benefiting from hard work.
After losing the first match of the season against Brewer, the team recorded six wins in a season that has them in playoff contention.
Sitting in seventh place in the Class C North standings, the team is slated to take on #2 Woodland if the standings stay as they are after the remaining handful of games left for other teams. With their regular season wrapped, all the Eagles can do now is wait.
Woodland was not on the regular season schedule for the Eagles.
The team has been anchored this year by veteran upperclassmen who have been on the team since George Stevens Academy started a varsity-level team two years ago. That experience, along with some strong freshmen, has contributed to the success of this season.
The Eagles have played well at home this season, tallying five of their six wins on their home court. Their position in the standings has them playing away matches through the playoffs, which could prove difficult given their 1-6 regular season away record.
After winning four matches from September 24 to September 29 against Narraguagus, Bucksport and Lee/Mattanawcook, the Eagles dropped back-to-back matches to Narraguagus and Calais, ranked fourth and first, respectively, in the Class C North standings, to close out the season.
The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for October 20, according to the Maine Press Association website, but are subject to change.
The ball gets passed around between George Stevens Academy freshman Evelyn Dagan and seniors Ashley Barnes and Lillie Maier during a home match against Calais on October 10. By Franklin Brown
George Stevens Academy sophomore Sophie Peasley returns a shot from the back court during a home match against Calais on October 10. By Franklin Brown