Small Lancer JV Boys’ Volleyball Contingent Played Big

Londonderry High School’s seven-member 2016 boys’ volleyball squad may have been small in numbers, but it played big and tallied an impressive 8-6 record over the spring while also preparing its players for a higher level of volleyball in the future.

Coach Jill Bartlett’s contingent consisted of juniors Tim Sullivan, Brian Murphy, and Danny Bears, sophomores Luke Cava and Timmy O’Neil, and freshmen Matt Nickerson and Vin DelSignore.

Outgoing Londonderry High varsity boys’ volleyball coach John Vaughn – who retired following the 2016 campaign but got good looks at the JV crew many times throughout the spring – offered his thoughts on the squad in pinch-hitting for Bartlett, who welcomed a new baby near the end of the JV Lancers’ season.

“The players consistently improved throughout the year and learned skills easily,” said Vaughn. “Luke Cava led the team in kills and blocks, while Danny Bears was the setter in our 5-1 set-up. Timmy O’Neil moved to opposite half way through the season and his setting was solid. Tim Sullivan was a force as a middle blocker, and is improving his attack. Bryan Murphy was an outside-hitter who developed an effective serve during the year. Vin was our first outside-hitter, and he played solid defense as well. Matt Nickerson keyed our back line and had many overhand attacks from behind the attack line.”

Vaughn and Bartlett were both highly impressed with the work ethic of the JV athletes and the showings they put forth in all of their matches.

“As Jill might say, ‘These boys put in a tremendous effort every day in practice and we were competitive with every program we faced.’ The future for LHS volleyball is bright with many of these players making the jump to varsity next season,” stated Vaughn.