EASTHAMPTON — Adjusting to the tournament environment took a few points too long for the Franklin Tech volleyball team Monday night at second-seeded Easthampton.
The No. 7 seed fell 3-0 but clawed closer in each set. The Eagles from Turners Falls dropped the first set 25-9 largely because Easthampton only missed one serve. Easthampton took the second set 25-18.
Franklin Tech trailed 17-14 at one point in the third but rallied to take a 24-23 lead. Easthampton ultimately prevailed 28-26 to send Franklin Tech to the consolation round later this week.
“[The third set] was definitely more our style of play, we definitely became more aggressive compared to the first two sets,” Franklin Tech coach Jade Cuevas said. “I think it’s just nerves. This is not something we’re used to or accustomed to, going to the playoffs. It’s a slow start. After that second set, they finally woke up.”
Lea Chapman led Franklin Tech, which hadn’t reached the postseason since 2010, with four blocks and added three kills and seven digs.
Maddie Brodeur had 10 digs, and Emily Ryan fired home five kills.
“It’s a great progress for the program that they get to feel what all the other successful teams in our school have,” Cuevas said. “It’s great experience to have.”