CHELMSFORD — The Chelmsford girls’ volleyball team trailed, 10-2, to start the match against No. 1 Franklin.
The second-ranked Lions dropped four straight points after having a set point in the third. They faced a 22-19 deficit in the fourth with their backs against the wall.
They embodied their “Not done yet” team slogan more than ever, when Gabby Caires slammed home the final kill.
The only time Chelmsford earned the first point of a set was the fifth, when the Lions pulled away 15-9 and took out defending champion Franklin, 3-2, Thursday night.
“It’s on us to bring the energy every single point,” said senior Kyra Ward, who produced 22 kills, 20 digs, 4 aces in a terrific performance.
“We’re playing this team that won the state championship last year, so our mind-set is we celebrate every single point. The energy . . . can win or lose you the game.”
The Lions (19-1) responded to a first-set 25-17 loss with a 25-12 romp in the second. Franklin (18-2) rallied to earn the third, 26-24, but the Lions won the fourth, 25-23. It’s their third five-set victory in their last three matches, and this one had a full crowd for the authentic tournament feel.
Caires added seven kills — punctuated by the clincher — and 10 blocks, Moni Tauch contributed 15 digs and a pair of aces, and Alicia Marcal racked up 43 assists, 15 digs, 2 aces, and 2 kills.
“Something that is really special about our team is you see the top players getting kills, but it’s not just the six people on the court,” said senior Bonnie Politzer (16 kills, 25 digs, 2 blocks, 2 aces). “Every single practice, we take it so hard, like it’s championship point.”
Added coach Edgar Valdez, on the team’s comeback ability: “It’s fun! This is fun.”
“This is one last ride. You gotta go out there and have fun playing together.”
AJ Traub can be reached at aj.traub@globe.com. Follow him on X @aj_traub and Instagram @ajt37.