Newton North Volleyball Shines in State Quarterfinals
NEWTON – In a thrilling display of athleticism, Newton North’s boys volleyball team secured a 3-1 victory against Lexington in the Div. 1 state quarterfinals. The standout performance came from senior Simon Vardeh, who recorded a career-high 37 kills, including an extraordinary eight consecutive points during a critical second set run. With this win, the fourth-seeded Tigers (16-7) advance to the Final Four, showcasing their resilience and talent.
Head coach Nile Fox, who faced significant momentum shifts during the match, praised Vardeh as the best player in the state. "I’ve never seen anything like it," he stated, acknowledging the athlete’s commanding influence on the game. Despite losing the first set 25-23, Vardeh fueled an impressive turnaround, leading a 22-6 run that shifted the momentum to Newton North.
Lexington’s squad, boasting notable players like Nic Sanchez de Rojas and Ale Luciani, fought hard but ultimately could not withstand the Tigers’ surge. With all key players returning from injury, Vardeh expressed relief and excitement about reaching peak performance at the right moment, reinforcing the team’s confidence for their upcoming challenge against either Brookline or Acton-Boxboro.
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