Last fall, the Norwood girls volleyball team stumbled throughout the season and were only able to garner a mere two wins, and needless to say, that was not enough to get them into the post-season. At the time of this writing, the Mustangs were fairing much better on the courts. Norwood was battling near .500, and with seven games left on the docket, they found themselves ranked 23rd with the top 32 qualifying to play in the Division 2 State Volleyball Tournament.

“At this time, we are in good shape to get into the tournament,” Norwood Coach Paul Nimblett said. “The girls are playing much better this year. Last year, we had a lot of young, inexperienced players who have returned this year with the experience and we have already surpassed last year’s win total (Norwood currently has five wins).”

Despite losing Colleen Brady and her career high 1011 assists, Norwood has more than enough athletes stepping onto the courts to give the Mustangs the firepower they need to be competitive.

Freshman Zoey Fleming came in with a good work ethic, and having played the sport since a young age, was able to step right into the setter role and take over for Brady. According to the Norwood Coach Fleming, she has a sister and two brothers who had previously played volleyball for the Mustangs. 

“She stepped right in and has had success,” Nimblett said. “She is our first server and has given us some big runs to begin with. Being only a freshman, we will have her another three years and that is very exciting for the program.”

Another individual who has proven herself in the early stages of the season is sophomore Brenna Forbes. The outside hitter currently leads the team in kills and has formed an established connection with Fleming.

Norwood will have co-captains Maddy Lewis and Abby Curran to help lead the younger girls on the court this fall. Lewis has been with the team for three years as an outside hitter and is a consistent all-around player who brings game smarts. Curran, a middle hitter, has the ability and agility to get up and block shots. Along with Lewis and Forbes, the trio gives Fleming numerous opportunities at the net for the Mustangs. Junior Sarah Randall is also able to provide strength at the net.

Not only do the Mustang players have the scoring and blocking skills, Nimblett is very confident in the team’s serving capabilities. 

“We have a very strong serving core and that has been a part of our success,” Nimblett said. “With our serving allowing us to make runs, the opposition is put on their heals right away. All of our servers have shown great ability back there.”

Defensively, libero Hillary Medeiros has done a great job with her digging ability as well as her serves; Sofia Berardelli, a senior defensive specialist; and Kim Laia, last year’s libero who had obligations at the beginning of the season has since returned to the court and inserted her play to help the team get out to the strong start.

Senior Isabella Morgan sustained a concussion early in the season, and after helping the team to some big wins, has unfortunately found herself on the bench. She has just been cleared to return to practice but still has to go through the concussion protocol before getting back into the game.

“She’s still about a week away, but once she is available to come back she will eventually be able to help us out,” the Norwood coach said. “It’ll be an adjustment for her to get back into the flow of things, but her experience will help. While she was out, the other girls stepped it up giving us more depth.”

Other athletes to take to the court for Nimblett have been junior Katherin Gosner, a back-up setter that gives Norwood the ability to move Fleming to the net while she takes over the setting role; junior right side hitter Sophia Miehaeldies has stepped into Morgans role; KC Motlote, a back-up middle with good blocking techniques, and sophomore Shealyn Coyle, a junior varsity player last fall has impressed the coach with her play. Unfortunately, there is a lot of talent in front of her, but the coach sees great potential for the future.

“With all the young talent we are a really well-rounded team,” Nimblett said. “In fact, this is one of the strongest teams that I’ve had. They all play for each other and they’re having fun but working hard.”

Nimblett went on to say he is looking for the small wins within the game; not just the final results – it’s all about the journey along the way.

Norwood has shown that they can compete against the good teams. All five of their wins have been 3-0, something that the Mustangs have not been able to do in the past.

“We’re doing a good job adjusting and I am pleased with their work ethic and communication skills leaving us in a good spot,” the coach said. “The girls have been putting their noses to the grind stone and with a tough part of our schedule coming up this should help us in the long run. These girls don’t back down.”