Cloud nine on the court: Volleyball girls take ninth FCIAC title in a row

Written by Steven Buono
Saturday, 07 November 2009 18:59

Facing the stiffest challenge its seen in the post-season in several years in game one, Darien pulled together and won it regardless, 25-18, on the way to a 3-0 sweep of a resilient group in Greenwich to keep its FCIAC crown at Ludlowe High School in Fairfield this afternoon.

"We started off a little slow," said hitter Sarah Gorski. "But, I think our serving in the first game was pretty good, and that's how we got more focused. But, I mean, I think we were all a little bit nervous. Especially being in FCIAC finals again. Greenwich really brought it today."

The Wave ran out ahead in each of the last two games, prevailing 25-12, 25-17, after needing to come from several points behind to take the tricky first game from the determined Cardinals, who were strong on the block, in the opener.

"I think what happened was, we came out a little bit tight, a little bit nervous," said Olivia Taylor. "And then we got our confidence up and I think we pulled together."

Heading up the passing game that the Wave rode to its ninth straight title, was junior setter Mackenzie Begley, who was named FCIAC Championship Game MVP.

Begley finished with 27 assists, two kills, an ace and eight service points.

"I think we just focused on our passing," said Taylor. "That's what it was for me. Like, take a deep breath and focus on each pass. Keep it in the court, don't go swinging out of control."

The challenge, at least in the first game, did break the iron mold of DHS never showing a hint of folding — albeit this being only a rumor of a hint of anything on the way other than the expected victory for the Wave.

"Definitely the best games are the ones that are really challenging," said Corinne Sommi, echoing a take from her teammates that actually needing to fight, and hard, to break an opponent in the opening gambit was something they made a feast of. "It's so much fun — you always expect a ball to come back, and, you always have to be on your toes.

"As soon as we fell asleep and let up, Greenwich got right back in it."

"That was quite a challenge," Colby Billhardt chipped in. "They really came out here firing, and they really wanted to win as much as us. And I think we matched their enthusiasm."

Biggest story of the match?

"I think besides the win, is that we can each come off the court and look each other in the eye," said Billhardt. "Each and every teammate and friend in the eye, and really know that we all gave our very best."

Billhardt cracked 11 kills, slapped four aces to the court, made three blocks and added six service points.

Gorski led with 12 thumping kills, hit an ace, made two blocks and had five points.

Sarah Suckow made 15 digs.

See more featured in The Darien Times on Thursday.