MONROE, CT — Coming off a 3-0 triumph over Weston High School in the SWC semifinals, the Masuk’s girls varsity volleyball team faced a tough Joel Barlow team in the finals. Though the Panthers played with determination throughout, the red hot Falcons won their 16th game in a row, taking the tournament championship 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-15) on Oct. 28.
“Our serve receive could’ve been better,” Addison Scott said of how Masuk could have pulled off the upset, “and we could’ve provided more with ours serves, but even though overall the game wasn’t our best, I missed the opportunity to do better with hyping up the team, so we could overcome the slump we were in.”
Lilly Yerrington, a Masuk team captain, said, “even though we lost in the SWC final, I still think our team was successful just making it that far. Getting to the finals was a huge accomplishment and showed how much we’ve grown this season.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 23, the Panthers beat Weston in the semis, taking all three sets: 26-24, 25-16, 24-22, to earn their trip to the finals.
Yerrington expressed her belief that her team lost momentum early on against Barlow.
“During the match itself, I think after we lost the first set, we didn’t bring quite the same energy or effort we usually do — and it showed in our play,” she said. “But overall, we had an amazing season, worked hard, and I’m really proud of everything we accomplished together.”
Coached by Carol Ortiz, the Panthers showed improvement, while making some amazing plays on the court. Mia Tyler had 1 ace, 19 assists, 12 digs; Abby Urkawich had 5 kills, 8 digs, and Addison Scott had 9 kills and 11 digs.
“This group of girls had a vision in August,” Ortiz said. “They wanted to be exactly where they found themselves Tuesday evening: competing for the conference title. I am proud that they saw that vision come to life after all their hard work. Congrats to Joel Barlow for winning another conference championship. As for us, we will be back at work in hopes of paving our way back to the championship game next year.”
The Panthers will now set their sights on the State tournament. No. 10 Masuk plays No. 23 Hartford Public in the first round of the Class L state playoffs at home, Monday at 6 p.m.
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