This story originally ran in The Standard-Times on Nov. 7, 2002.

By Nick Tavares
Standard-Times correspondent

LAKEVILLE -- The Apponequet girls volleyball team battled Bishop Feehan in yesterday's Division II semifinal, talking the match to the brink, but Feehan's big serves proved too much in the end as the Lakers lost in five games, 30-27, 30-32, 30-28, 25-30 and 15-6.

"They served better than us," said Apponequet head coach Kevin Bellevance. "That's what I thought was really the difference in the game."

Apponequet was able to keep the leads see-sawing on the strength of their middle hitters, led by junior Jessica Allerdt, who came up with 14 kills in the match.

The intensity was clearly present in both teams as leads changed 25 times in the five games last night.

"They played their hearts out," said Bellevance. "I think that this was one of the best matches we've played all year -- the intensity was awesome."

Game one saw Apponequet jump out to an early lead on the strength of Kendra Barry's serving, but Feehan quickly battled back to take the lead at 8-7. Apponequet answered back to come back out in front, and after watching the advantage rock back and forth, Bishop Feehan broke away for a three-point win.

Game two was even closer until Apponequet picked up a game-point situation at 29-21, but a net serve gave the ball back to the Shamrocks. Feehan's Amanda Mecucci then countered Apponequet with nine straight service points, including three aces, to put Feehan in front 30-29. An out-serve tied it back up at 30-30 and put the ball in the hands of Jillian Tavares, who came through with an ace followed by an Amanda Wilbur kill to give the Lakers the game.

In spite of the loss, the rally seemed to charge the Shamrocks for the rest of the match, giving them the confidence they needed to win.

"They came back and even though we won the second game, that gave them the confidence to win. I would've liked to end it early, but that didn't happen," Bellevance said. "Give credit to Feehan. They played tough and they played smart."

Bishop Feehan took the lead in game three at the 20-19 mark and held it all the way, although the Lakers pulled within one point late on two occasions.

Amy Thompson served up five consecutive service points with two aces towards the end of game four giving the Lakers a 29-24 lead, and Allerdt finished the deal with a kill of Feehan's serve to send the match to the fifth game.

Despite the loss, coach Bellevance had nothing but praise for his squad, who finish with a 17-5 record and will stand as having the most successful run of any girls volleyball team in school history.

"I feel bad for the seniors," said Bellevance. "They were the best team I've ever had, and I wish I could put a banner up for them.

"We talked about it before the tournament started. All the teams in the tournament are awesome and only three are going to end their seasons with a win -- Division I, Division II and Division III -- so don't hang your heads.

"It was a great season, and I'm going to miss all of them. I'm so proud of them."

This story appeared on Page B1 of The Standard-Times on November 7, 2002.