Norwood Volleyball

After getting swept out of the Division 2 South tournament in the first round by Duxbury last fall, Norwood Coach Paul Nimblett is optimistic about this year’s squad moving past the first round.
“I am very excited about the upcoming year; we have great senior leadership as well as some phenomenal underclassmen,” Coach Nimblett said. “The team is very deep and I feel that we can do some special things this year.”
Nimblett was dead on with the Mustangs doing special things. In Norwood’s opening game, the squad did something they haven’t been able to do in some time, defeating Brookline 3-1.
Looking to provide the team with a spark and keep things moving in a positive way are senior tri-captains Ally Copponi, the team’s setter; Krista Bradley (middle hitter) and Meghan Reen (outside hitter).
“These girls have been providing great leadership so far,” Coach Nimblett said. “They really want to take this team to the next level record wise and into the tournament.”
Copponi is entering her third season as the Mustang’s setter and not only grown in experience, she has improved her serve and is able to put the ball anywhere on the court that she wants to. Bradley and Reen are both important all around players. Bradley is a strong attacker with a big strike while Reen is one of the best defenders on the court and also provides a huge serve.
In addition to the captains, juniors Kiki Ryan and Kaylin Reen will also be looked upon to produce this fall. Ryan, a middle hitter, plays at a high level and is looking to take her game to the next level with her newly developed jump serve, while the younger Reen is more of a defensive player.
Nimblett also believes that the team’s serving has greatly improved coming into this season.
“I feel that our serving is the best that it has been in awhile,” Coach Nimblett said. “It should help us greatly and keep opposing teams on their toes.”
After taking last year off, senior outside hitter Emma Fleming has decided to return to the court in her final season with the Mustangs, and according to the coach, it’s like she never took time off.
Sophomore libero Danielle Currivan has been a huge surprise thus far.
“She is not only very quick, but plays aggressively,” Coach Nimblett said. “She has been huge defensively despite only being a sophomore.”
Nimblett will be looking to two juniors to help the Mustangs back to the tournament in utility player Erin Spalding and first year varsity athlete Shaniya Feney as an outside hitter.
Although the coach sees the Bay State Conference being a tough league to play in, he is positive that Norwood will be competitive.
“We will compete night in and night out with the best of them," Coach Nimblett said. "Our goal is nothing less than second place, but we’re shooting for first. You can see that the girls are giving that extra effort. They have grown mentally while skill wise their ability has improved; they just have to believe in themselves.”
If the Mustangs can find the inner strength to believe in their ability, there is no doubt that they will find themselves back in the Division 2 tournament once the regular season comes to an end.