The main actors were different, but the Needham boys' volleyball team, three-time defending Div. 1 state champion, started the new season with a familiar tune on Thursday night.
In a match between reigning champions, the Rockets (1-0) used their depth and consistent performance to secure a 3-1 (26-24, 26-28, 25-18, 25-13) win and extend their win streak to 74 games despite a strong start from Agawam, a Div. 2 powerhouse.
Devin Dellamarggio (42 assists) and Luke Lorence (18 kills) led Needham to victory, supported by other players who performed well at crucial moments, causing Agawam’s momentum to fade in the third and fourth sets.
Overall, it was a promising start for the team.
“We’re still figuring everything out, but this is a good place to start,” said Needham head coach Dave Powell. “We’re happy with the way our guys have been working and we’re going to keep at it.”
“I love this team,” said Dellamarggio. “I think we’ve got a lot to build on, but we’ve got a lot of scrappy guys that are willing to work hard, put in the work. So, I’m excited for what’s to come.”
The Rockets tried different strategies in the first two sets, dealing with some initial rust, while Agawam took advantage and made a strong start.
Agawam's players showed early rhythm, but Needham's players managed to edge out the first frame and then experienced a rally in the second set, ending in a 1-1 tie.
However, from that point on, the game had a different tone. The Rockets led by as much as six in the third set and 12 in the fourth, in contrast to never leading by more than four points in the first set and one point in the second.
“We limited our errors a little bit as the match went on, that helped,” Powell said. “A couple guys stepped up offensively, that helped. We got a little bit better passing as the match went on. So, it’s a good start.”
Dellamarggio’s list of weapons expanded as the game progressed, while the front row made it difficult for Agawam’s top hitters. Several Needham players had strong moments, contributing to quick bursts of points and improved defensive play as well.
“Oh man, I love it,” Dellamarggio said of the depth. “Could be a different guy every night. … It’s exciting. Anyone can go off any night, and that’s what I like about this team. It’s going to be fun when we put it together.”
