BEACON FALLS — The expectations for a volleyball program can mount after reaching the Class M semifinals four years in a row and winning a state title.
The No. 9 Hawks appeared to be continuing their match in the tournament in a second-round match Nov. 9 against No. 8 Tolland until a setback in game three shifted the momentum in Tolland’s favor. Tolland, which trailed 2-0, seized control of the match to win 3-2 (17-25, 13-25, 27-25, 25-9, 16-14).
“Tolland got stronger after each set,” Woodland head coach Jim Amato said. “They were making fewer errors and were getting progressively better, especially down the stretch. We just couldn’t capitalize on the mistakes they did make.”
It’s been over ten years since Woodland (17-6) began and ended a season with a loss. The season started with a 3-0 loss to eventual NVL champion Torrington, which is playing for the Class M state title on Saturday versus NVL foe Seymour. Led by senior captains McKenna Cronin, Maddie Hupprich and Kate Minutillo, the Hawks reeled off ten straight wins to show that they were once again contenders in the NVL and Class M.
“Every year the bar is set pretty high,” Amato said. “This was a fun team to coach because every game was different. We went with so many different players used in different ways. We were constantly building and rearranging and we had smart players who were able to adjust to that.”
Aside from the tri-captains, the Hawks will graduate seniors Emily Brouillette, Jen Triana, Ally Mayne, Lindsey Gabianelli and Nicole Desiderio.
Woodland will certainly miss the production of the seniors. Cronin led the team with 176 kills and 586 assists. Hupprich led the team with 89 aces in serve and scored 73 service points with 337 assists.
Mayne, the back row libero, led the team with 282 digs and tied for the team-high with 74 service points with Triana. Brouillette led the team with 42 blocks and Gabianelli added 73 service points and 333 assists. Minutillo, a defensive specialist, had 27 service points, 28 assists and 26 digs.
The Hawks will return a few go-to players. Junior Julia Swiatek had 106 assists on the year. Sophomores Steph Krebb, who had 41 blocks, 70 service points and 124 kills, and Fatima Khalid, who had 68 service points, will help solidify the Hawks’ lineup along with fellow sophomore Rachel Poulos.
“Our seniors made sure everyone, all the way to the freshmen, felt a part of what was going on,” Amato said. “We were able to build a solid base and a strong foundation for next season.”
