DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
The inaugural season of Bellmont volleyball is finally underway.
Still a little green in experience, the program began with a varsity-only display at Norwell, where head coach Craig Krull once started his own coaching career before becoming one of the most successful coaches in Bellmont school history.
Krull used a rotation of eight players against Norwell in front of an impressive crowd, curious to see what the two schools could put together on the court this spring.
The Braves were led by libero Mason Mankey on defense and a pair of big hitters in kills – Cam Summers and Gavin Krull. Each represent a different grade at BHS, with Mankey being an 11th grader, Summers a sophomore and Krull in his final season as a Bellmont athlete.
Norwell took an early lead and saw out the first set 25-18, taking advantage of some nervous first touches by the Braves.
The Braves, however, settled down and played better in the second set. Summers, who led the team with nine kills on just 13 attempts, found his windows and the team worked better around the blocks of Norwell.
Norwell made a late run and took the second set, 25-20.
Down 2-0, the Braves could not find the rhythm to build a lead against Norwell and they began the program’s history with a straight set loss, falling 25-19 in the third.
Krull finished with eight kills on 17 attempts and six assists.
Mankey led the team with eleven digs and was especially impressive on the serve with four aces.
Jack Johnson led the Braves in assists. The setter had 15 and a pair of aces.
Johnson, Summers, Krull and Easton Curtis each tallied a solo block.
The Braves will play at home for the first time on Wednesday, hosting New Haven at 6 p.m.
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