QUINCY - In the Division 1 Central/East final, North Quincy was pushed to the limit by a Quincy squad that has given it fits. The Red Raiders (22-2), however, overcame their rivals, and themselves, to win, 3-2, last night at Eastern Nazarene College. North Quincy will face Milford, winner of the Central/West title, Tuesday in the state semifinals.
North Quincy defeated Quincy (19-4) in six straight games spanning two matches in the regular season, but with only two points separating the teams in five of those games, the Red Raiders knew they were in for a challenge last night.
The three-time defending Atlantic Coast League champions battled back from a sloppy 25-17 loss in the first game to win the pivotal second game, 26-24, which featured an electrifying, 11-1 North Quincy run.
Senior middle back Virginia Wong, who sparked the Game 2 charge, had a game-high 24 kills and added seven blocks.
She was complemented by junior outside hitter Ashley Kostka's eight digs and sophomore Rushri Wijesundera's 12 aces.
Second-year coach Kerry Ginty, who calmed her team after the first game, celebrated her first Division 1 title.
"They were freaking out, so I said to relax and get back to what we're good at," said Ginty.
North stopped a Quincy comeback in the third game, winning, 25-21, then rebounded from a 25-23 loss to win the fifth game, 15-9, and the title.
