IPSWICH – One of these Cape Ann League rivals was moving on to the Division 4 volleyball state state semifinals and the other would be heading home for the season.
After two games, it was dead even and anyone’s match. But top-seed, defending state champion and undefeated Ipswich steadied itself and won the next two games to take a 3-1 win over arch rival Hamilton-Wenham in the D4 quarters at Roundy Gym Friday afternoon.
The pursuit of the perfect season for Ipswich (21-0) continues in the state semifinals this Tuesday against No. 4 Hudson (20-3). The match it schedules for 6 p.m. at Tewksbury High.
Friday, the No. 8 seed Generals (17-6) played a complete game in the 26-24, 23-25, 25-19, 25-18 Ipswich win. H-W forced the first set into extra points, then took the second. However, in sets three and four, Tigers proved too much.
Ipswich received solid offensive nights all around, but one, in particular, was junior outside hitter Claire Buletza, who led all players with 16 kills and added 13 digs with two aces for good measure.
“We were in a lot of pressure situations tonight where we would have a lot of errors in a row,” said Ipswich head coach Staci Lawrence. “We didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just had to do what we do best, which was play Ipswich volleyball.”
After finding their footing, Ipswich was back in the driver’s seat. Defensive anchors Sophia Degrappo and Addison Pillis dominated, allowing little to no opposing shots through.
Hamilton-Wenham senior outside hitter Maddie Wilson had an excellent game with 11 kills and six digs. Wilson consistently made outstanding plays for her team when called upon. Also, with 27 assists, Hannah Ciriello hit the 500 mark on the season.
“It’s the state tournament. It’s what we play for,” said Hamilton-Wenham head coach Marc Turiano, whose team delivered Ipswich’s first dropped set all postseason. “If we came in with great energy, worked hard, and executed our game plan, we knew we had a shot. We couldn’t quite pull it out, but it was a great battle.”
Tess O’Flynn had a great match for Ipswich with 20 digs, 16 assists and three aces. Alex Marino added 12 digs with 13 assists and Emily Hannibal chipped in all-around with 14 digs, three aces and five assists.