By Nicholas Huenefeld

Special to the Sentinel-Tribune

MILLBURY — Despite the graduation of several key players from last year’s regional semifinal team, the Lake volleyball team didn’t skip a beat in its season opener Saturday by securing a 25-15, 25-6, 25-22 win over Springfield at home.

“I think we played really great,” sophomore outside Laynie Meadows said. “We were prepared well, and I think we did a great job picking each other up and being there for each other. Even when we made mistakes, we were able to brush it off.”

Lake graduated four key players from last year’s run to a first-ever district title, including Taryn DeWese and Vayda Delventhal, who are now at Vanderbilt and Cleveland State, respectively.

Meadows, who had nine kills and 12 digs, was one of four sophomores who filled those spots in a big way Saturday along with Mylah Vorst, Lucy Boos and Caitlyn Extine.

Vorst led the Flyers offensively with 12 kills, and Extine added 11. Boos partnered with Savanna Saunders for 16 assists apiece.

Extine, who delivered back-to-back terminations at the end of the third set to clinch the match, stood out for Lake.

A transfer from Rossford, Extine adds a “more dynamic offense” to the team according to Lake head coach Amy Vorst.

“She’s a hard-working kid who gives all-out effort,” Vorst said. “She blocks well, and she’s an all-around great player.”

After playing the middle for Rossford last year, Extine also worked out on the right side over the summer.

“She’s killing on the right side, so that’s where we have her for now,” Vorst said.

In addition to their 16 assists apiece, the duo of Boos and Saunders each had three aces.

“I think we connected really well from setter to hitter,” Meadows said. “We did a good job of passing and talking in the back row, and our serving was good, too. That was a big part of the game.”

After back-and-forth action early, Lake opened up a double-digit lead en route to a first-set victory.

The Flyers continued the momentum, opening the second frame with a 5-0 burst and forcing timeouts from Springfield at 9-2 and 17-6 before cruising to a two-set advantage.

Another 5-0 run to open the third set helped Lake take the early advantage, but Springfield fought back and eventually pulled within one, 13-12.

“I think we let up energy-wise in the third set, but overall I think we were focused, we were hungry, and we executed well,” Vorst said.

The Flyers responded with three straight to force a Springfield timeout, although the visitors didn’t quit as a Lake attack sailed long to knot the set at 21 apiece.

Keira Magers, a senior middle, responded with a solo block, and Springfield couldn’t put together a shot attempt after three touches on the ensuing serve.

After a timeout, Springfield pulled back within one, but back-to-back hammers from Extine ended the match.

“I’m pleased overall with how (the team) played,” Vorst said. “They played with energy, and they were pretty focused. Let’s hope that continues on Monday (at St. Ursula).”

Sydney Marchetto, a senior, led Lake with a team-high 19 digs.

“We did a good job with our middle-to-setter connection,” Vorst said. “Our serve reception in the second set was much better than the first set. Defensively, I think Syd did a phenomenal job in the back row scooting it up.”