The Hopkinton Hillers handed Amherst their first loss of the season in the Division 2 State Semi-Finals Wednesday Night (11/16). Hopkinton improved to 21-2 on the season while the Amherst Hurricanes fell to 23-1. Hopkinton defeated Medway (3-0), Westboro (3-1) and Canton (3-0) in the Central sectionals to advance to take on West Champion, Amherst in the State Semi’s. Amherst went into the semi-finals matchup having won every single set except two all season.
The Hillers remained in control through the first 2 sets taking set one, 25-16 and set two, 25-19. Julia Canestrari lit up the scoreboard in the 1st two sets scoring 9 of the Hillers points.
Amherst struck back in the third set and pulled off the win 25-17. Momentum bounced back and forth through the forth set but the Hillers went on a late run to close it out, 25-23. Julia Canestrari knocked down the game winning point for the Hillers.
The Hopkinton Hillers advanced to the State Finals to take on South Sectional Champion, Notre Dame Academy (21-1), Saturday (11/19) 3pm at Shrewsbury High School.
Notre Dame Academy swept 4 straight matches to capture the D2 South Sectional Championship. The 2014 D2 State Champion, Hopkinton Hillers will play Saturday to try to capture their 2nd State Title in the past 3 seasons.