The Tigers were defeated 2-3 by Franklin in the MIAA State Final at Billerica Saturday, Nov. 15. The Franklin Panthers toppled North in a five-set match that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. The Tigers claimed the second and third sets, while the Panthers took the first, fourth, and decisive fifth sets.
“Even though we didn’t win this year, I’m so happy with how we did in the game, and there’s always next year,” said junior Lyla Berton. “We had great team spirit and the student section was really motivating.”
The match opened with Franklin asserting early control. Strong serves created passing difficulties for North, and the first set resulted in a quick win for Franklin, according to junior Izzy Holton. “I don’t think we expected them to throw out points as fast as they were,” she said. “One minute we were tied, then they were up 10.”
The Tigers responded with a significantly sharper second set. Team communication was quick and reliable, and the enthusiastic cheers from the student section and the sidelines were loud and supportive. The team members who were not actively on the court started chants that motivated the team.
Junior Sasha Selivan said, “Support from your teammates, people who know you best, is really important.” According to Selivan, the team’s extra effort paid off, and though it was extremely close, the Tigers closed out the second set 27-25.
The third set marked North’s strongest stretch of play. The Tigers established an early lead and held it for the duration of the set, which ultimately propelled them to win. Finding their groove and making smoother plays than in the previous two sets, the Tigers ended the third with a score of 25-19. This revamped the crowd and team with a surge of supportive energy for the Tigers.
Campus aide Mark Hernandez said, “I was walking back from the bathroom and you could just hear the cheers from all the way down the hallway. It was amazing.”
By the fourth set, it was difficult to tell who was going to claim the title. Both teams visibly played with the utmost determination and force. Tensions were incredibly high, and every audience member seemed to be holding their breath. Though it was extremely close, the Panthers prevailed 23-25, forcing a decisive fifth.
“I didn’t know what way it would go at that point; it was really hard to say,” said Selivan.
“A part of me thought there was no way we could lose, but also I was doubting myself a lot.”
The final set was marked by tight scoring and extended rallies. The Tigers opened with a brief lead following a pair of errors from Franklin, but the Panthers quickly recovered with a multi-point run. A late burst by the Panthers gave them the lead needed to close out the set. Franklin secured the fifth 12-15, and with it, the state championship.
Though Franklin won, North’s effort throughout the match illustrated the team’s perseverance and its capacity to execute elaborate plays as a team under pressure. The Tigers’ performance this season concluded with a display of its admirable efforts and incredible team spirit.
