Natick finally closes deal

HUDSON -- A year ago it let a 13-8 lead crumble in a loss to St. John's Prep in the state championship. This year, Natick was able to finish what it started, sweeping Newton North, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19, in the MIAA state volleyball final yesterday at Hudson High School.

"This is awesome just to finally get back here after another year waiting and to [win the state championship] is just awesome. It was a lot of fun," said junior opposite hitter Shaun Sibley, who finished with 19 kills and a service ace.

"I talked to the boys and told them today is like an everyday game in the season," said Natick coach Peter Suxho. "We beat [Newton North] twice in the season. We beat these guys four times last year so that's six times in a row. We got to win this game."

You could say three times a charm. Suxho started coaching Natick in 2005. That year the Redman bowed to Millis in the state semifinals. In 2006, it was the tough loss to St. John's Prep in the final. This year, Suxho and the Redmen (22-1) got their state title.

Natick setter Tim Lee was outstanding, using quick thinking and keen volleyball knowledge to set up or score key points in all three games.

"[I was focusing on] setting a good ball," said Lee, who had 31 assists and three kills. "Setting up my hitters to get a good hit is definitely my priority at all times, [but] it all depends on the situation. When my team needs [the point] and the ball's there I'm going to go for [the kill]."

The Tigers got out to a fast start in Game 1, taking a 6-3 lead and forcing Natick to call a timeout. The Redmen tied it at 6, but couldn't pull away. Tied at 20, Natick shut down the Tigers' attack that was led by juniors Idan Levy (14 kills ) and Josh Dulberg (seven kills, three aces), not allowing another point.

"We were focusing on not being nervous," said Sibley. "We came here and we knew if we got the job done we'd get the win. We focused, we got those pregame butterflies out and we got it done."

Natick pretty much controlled Game 2, taking leads of 12-9, 14-11, and 16-13. Newton North (14-7) tied it at 20, but Natick kept its cool and closed it out by taking advantage of Tigers mistakes.

The Redmen slowly wore out Newton North setter Konst Dimov (26 assists) in the final game to come away with the title.

In all three games, the Tigers put up a fight, but Natick had too much at the finish.