Ayer-Shirley Boys’ Volleyball Continues to Grow

AYER – Though only in its third year of existence, the Ayer-Shirley boys’ volleyball team has seen quite a bit of growth from where it was the spring of 2022.

Panthers head coach Brian Lehtinen has been at the helm since the program’s first match three years ago. Lehtinen recently spoke with the Ayer-Shirley Tracker recently about his team and how far they’ve come.

“We have a very dynamic team with a mix of experience and younger players,” said the Panthers head coach following a recent home match against Leominster. “We are trying to spread the ball out and get lots of players involved   .”

Against the Blue Devils, Ayer-Shirley opened a 2-0 lead before Leominster rallied to win the final three sets to earn a 3-2 win.

With 17 on the varsity roster, the team is anchored by its two senior captains. Carrying the torch this spring for the Panthers are Miles Pyatt and Adam Carvalho. Also providing leadership is fellow senior Nicholas Towne.

Ayer-Shirley entered Thursday, May 1 action with visiting Wachusett Regional with a 3-6 overall record through nine matches this season. The Panthers were fresh off a tough 3-0 defeat at the hands of host Marlborough on April 28. Prior to that they fell 3-1 to South Lancaster Academy on April 17. The victory by the Crusaders avenges a 3-0 Ayer-Shirley win to open the season back on March 27 at Ayer-Shirley Regional High School.

Miles Pyatt had 12 kills and Colm Fallon added seven kills and six blocks for the Panthers in the setback by scores of 25-27, 18-25, 25-18 and 21-25.

“Colm, this is his first year playing, he’s tall and is a great blocker and great hitter, he’s been a huge addition to our team,” said Lehtinen. “Miles is great on the outside and records a lot of kills. In addition, our setters, Griffin and Nick are doing really well. The younger guys are getting an opportunity to contribute as well.”

The Panthers return to action on Monday, April 28 when they look to get back on the winning track and inch closer to the .500 mark. Ayer-Shirley will visit the Panthers of Marlborough High School. Marlborough defeated Ayer-Shirley 3-0 back on March 31 in Ayer.

“When we first started this program three years ago, we only had 11 kids and barely enough to field a varsity team. Our numbers have grown, it’s great. We now have a full junior varsity team and schedule,” said Lehtinen. “This year we had 21 kids come out for the program and we kept them all. It’s been great to see the growth and development in these players in the three years we’ve had a team.”

Following Thursday’s match with Wachusett, Ayer-Shirley travels to Worcester to take on Doherty on May 2.