This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/16/2015 11:00 PMThe Guilford volleyball squad featured a slew of underclass athletes who took a shine to the varsity spotlight in 2014, so it was safe to say the groundwork was established for an even more successful campaign this fall. As things played out on the floor during the recent season, the Indians actually wound up going beyond their expectations.
In her second slate as head coach and fourth with the program overall, Laura Meyer and company got out to a rousing 9-0 start, while not even dropping a single set along the way. After finishing the regular season 16-4, earning the No. 3 seed in the SCC Tournament, and sharing the Hammonasset Division title with Hand and Foran, Guilford entered Class L State Tournament play as the 8th seed and dispatched No. 9 Pomperaug 3-1 to make its first venture to the quarterfinals in four seasons. The Indians then took a 3-0 loss to unbeaten top seed RHAM to finish with an excellent record of 17-6.
“It’s our goal every year to make the postseason, so it’s always about getting to eight wins and making both states and SCCs. The girls came in knowing they could be better than last year because we had so many returning players, so they wanted to win more games than last year. Once they saw how good they could be, it was about them setting for goals for themselves, such as beating certain teams,” said Coach Meyer. “This year will be one to remember. It embodied everything, such as improvements made by everyone. Everyone had fun doing it and that’s why you play volleyball.”
The Indians showcased a big-time spike at the top through a pair of sibling senior captains in outside hitter Meredith Shank and libero Sam Shank. Meredith was voted Guilford’s Most Valuable Player and made the All-SCC Hammonasset Division Team, while compiling a team-best 179 kills and 298 digs to complement her well-rounded efforts in other aspects of the game. Meanwhile, sister Sam earned the newly born Indian Award for being the best all-around teammate. She also racked up 211 digs.
“Both were great team players and captains. They kept everyone focused and they were some of the hardest-working girls in games and at practice,” Meyer said. “They tried to pump everyone up and they never sounded down or negative. With a lot of sophomores and juniors on the team, they were good role models.”
Completing the Indians’ senior class were back row player Sarah DeLucia, who earned Most Improved Player honors; middle hitter Heather Wirth; Sportsmanship Award recipient Emma Jewett, who played outside hitter; and defensive setter Molly Fasano.
“This senior class started right with me four years ago when they were freshmen, so it’s special when I think of these six girls,” Meyer said. “Sarah moved up to the front row last year to fill in for someone, but then moved back to the back row this season. Heather was a big block up front. She knew when to either tip the ball or hit it. Emma did whatever was best for the team and Molly had limited playing time, yet it never deterred her from always playing hard.”
The seemingly easy street the Indians were riding on with their perfect start did hit a bump with a five-set loss to rival Hand on Oct. 16. However, Guilford’s response and resounding run following that setback really stuck out to Coach Meyer.
“The 9-0 start was a whirlwind in itself and not losing a set is amazing, but the Hand loss really took us by surprise,” said Meyer. “It took its toll on us, but to see them bounce back and also win a game in states was great. They all still played to win.”
While the Indians are graduating a sensational six from their senior class, they will again return a great deal of talent in next season, including junior middle hitter and All-Hammonasset selection Cia Mirrione. Guilford’s 2016 schedule will also feature a journey into somewhat unfamiliar territory as the divisions in the SCC were recently realigned. Nevertheless, the success the Indians saw this fall has definitely set the blueprint for another deep playoff push.
“We will still be good next year as we keep a lot of hitters and passers, yet we lose some huge players. We will also have a new division with the new SCC makeup, but we have a good mix of competitive teams,” said Meyer. “There will be some big shoes to fill, but the seniors set the bar high in terms of how to win, so the juniors will certainly step up.”
From the Sidelines
The Indians finished 6-2 in divisional play this fall to share the title. Guilford’s only previous Hammonasset crown came in 2011, when it won the division outright with a mark of 7-1.
Laura Meyer was assisted by JV coach Jeff DeMaio, freshman coach Krissy Kehoss, and volunteer coach Lisa Lauriate.
Guilford will play in the newly formed SCC South Division in 2016, which will include Mercy, Hand, West Haven, and Career.