RHS girls volleyball team eyes states after FCIAC loss

Written by Sarah Katz
Thursday, 05 November 2009 14:23

Just like that, the FCIAC playoffs are over.

Poor passing yielded a quick end to the conference post-season for the Ridgefield High girls volleyball team as the Tigers lost to Staples, 3-1, in a quarterfinal match Tuesday in Westport.

The fourth-seeded Wreckers (16-3) defeated fifth-seed Ridgefield (15-4) by scores of 25-11, 25-15, 13-25 and 25-18.

With the team’s usual standout defensive players having an off day, Ridgefield head coach Lidania Cibere subbed in and out throughout all four games, trying to find the camaraderie and communication that had set the Tigers apart from most teams and helped end the regular season with a 15-3 record.

But she just couldn’t find the right mix.

“We weren’t communicating well,” said Cibere. “We weren’t able to get the ball to the setter so the setter was having trouble. I used lots of subs because it just wasn’t working.”

Subbing in for setter Grace Heiser was Morgan Hyland, but both setters had trouble creating plays for the hitters due to poor ball handling from the back line. Despite the passing errors, Hyland finished the day with 20 assists.

Playing JV standout Michaela Giovannoli, who was pulled up to varsity for the playoffs, and sophomore Karryn Christiansen paid off in the third set, as Christiansen had a nine-point service run, eventually leading to the Tigers’ only win. Giovannoli finished the day with eight service points and seven digs.

The fourth set began as more of a typical Ridgefield match, with both teams battling back and forth for the lead. However, bad passing again led to the eventual set and match loss.

“It’s really hard in rally scoring to come back,” said Cibere. “Every mistake you make is a point for the other team.”

“Staples had good serving,” Cibere continued. “They hit the ball in the court.”

Ridgefield’s serving was on par as well, led by Christiansen (nine service points), Giovannoli (eight), Elizabeth Sfondrini (six, including three aces), and Megan Kirchoff (four).

Notes: Ridgefield will now get a break before the state tournament begins next week. The Tigers will get a bye in the first round, automatically advancing the team to the final 16 and getting Ridgefield a second-round home game.

Tournament rankings and pairings will be announced on Friday.

Ridgefield had lost to Staples, 3-2, during the regular season.