Red Raiders come out firing
Fitzpatrick, Lowell blank Algonquin in tourney opener
LOWELL >> Cody Fitzpatrick showcased his sheer firepower and finesse, as the second-seeded Lowell High volleyball team topped No. 31 Algonquin, 3-0, in first-round action of the MIAA Division 1 State Tournament.
Working like a well-oiled machine, coach Paul Mccarthy’s club was relentless, winning in straight sets 25-12, 25-15, 25-21, on Friday.
The Merrimack Valley Conference Player of the Year, Fitzgerald found his footing by scoring a team-high 13 kills and 13 digs.
‘“It feels great,” said Fitzpatrick. “It kind of came easy, but we came in with a mentality to win. We don’t take anything for granted. Were ready tonight.”
Lowell (20-1) took control from the outset in the opening set, behind the first of 10 kills by sophomore Ceazar Joseph. Tyrell Lout also loomed large, setting the offense with 33 assists, while also providing some key service points, including a nifty behind-the-back return in the opening set.
“I can’t even remember that play,” said Lout. “Whatever comes to mind, I just do it.”
The junior tri-captain felt his team was clicking on all cylinders.
“I think our fundamentals were there,” said Lout. “Our blocking, passing, setting and hitting.
I think mostly it was just about working on serves. That was really it.”
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick fired up the crowd with several thunderous spikes, coupled by some off-speed returns that kept Algonquin off balance.
“It’s not all about the power every single time,” said Fitzpatrick. “We just try to find the spot. It’s all about the fundamentals.”
Algonquin managed to post a team-high four-point swing midway through the second set, with some heady play from junior Andrew Eiben, senior Peter Wixted and aces from senior Jason Wong, but they were no match for the
Raiders’ raw power.
Lowell junior Ayden Roum and senior tri-captain Eddie Djatcha teamed up with several tandem blocks, keeping the Titans on their
toes. Junior Eric Nguyen added several aces and assists in the stanza, while junior Walter Palacio provided some sound defensive work and timely points, as Lowell took control of the match.
“We brought the energy,” said Joseph, noting a slight dip midway through the third stanza. “It kind of went down, but we brought
it back up. This is our first game. We still have a lot to prove.”
According to Algonquin coach Andrew Kinney, the Red Raiders came as advertised.
“They’re a very strong team all across the board,” said Kinney. “Just watching them in warmups, they are by far the best team we’ve faced all season. It looked
like they were a very experienced team.”
Up next for Lowell is a spot in the Sweet 16. The Red Raiders will face No. 18 Lincoln-sudbury (10-9), the details to be announced.
“We’re looking to take the whole thing,” said Joseph.
“We’re excited about our next match,” Lout added.