YARMOUTH — Yarmouth sophomore libero Rachel Chille had no reservations about switching from soccer to volleyball this year. She proved her worth Wednesday, winning 13 straight service points in the Clippers’ Class B semifinal win over No. 4 Woodland in straight sets.
Top-seeded Yarmouth (14-1) prevailed 25-13, 25-9, 25-20 to advance to the state championship match in Ellsworth on Saturday. The Clippers will face No. 2 Machias as they aim for their third state title in four years.
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Several Clippers, including a number of underclassmen, came up big, but Chille’s serving gave Yarmouth momentum in the second set. She had seven aces in her 13 straight service points to give Yarmouth a 17-5 lead. And she only started working on her powerful jump serve two weeks ago.
“It started as a joke. (Junior middle hitter) Kenzie Sheehan and I were having an easy practice and I tried it. Today I served my first serve normally to take the pressure off. But on my second and third jump serve, I had a lot of confidence,” Chille said.
Sophomore defensive specialist Andrea St. Pierre was the catalyst for the Clippers’ strong first set with four service points, including three aces, to put it out of reach.
“She brings a lot of intensity to the game,” said Yarmouth Coach Jim Senecal. “She’s going to be a great player and she’s good on defense.”
The match looked like it would be an easy win until the Dragons stormed out to a lead in the third set.
That was largely due to Woodland junior outside hitter Sierra Barnes, who had five service points and two aces. Junior outside hitter Sara Boies came up with two aces to help put Woodland (11-4) out in front 6-1.
Yarmouth then called a timeout. After the break, Chille and the Clippers were back on track and in control, battling back to tie the game at 16.
“This is such a momentum game. I think they got a little too confident going into the third set, but then they woke up. They had us off balance in the third game,” Senecal said.
Yarmouth had 10 service points and eight aces from St. Pierre; junior captain Liz Clark had eight service points, four aces. Chille added 17 service points and nine aces.
For Woodland Coach Michelle Cochran-Barnes it was a tough way to end a season for five seniors she’s coached for years – but not unexpected.
“No team can compete with Yarmouth,” Cochran-Barnes said. “We’ve played Machias and Washington Academy, and I think either will play them closely. But nobody has Yarmouth’s strong hitters, or their strong blockers.”
Senecal also likes Yarmouth’s chances.
“If we play our best. I think we’ll be OK,” he said.
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