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10/02/2016 12:00 AMThe Guilford volleyball team returned many key components from its 2015 squad that posted 18 wins and earned a State Tournament quarterfinal bid. This fall, the Indians are trying to put it all together once again with an aim to make 2016 another successful campaign.
Head Coach Laura Meyer’s club went 16-4 in the regular season last year and shared the SCC Hammonasset Division title with Hand and Foran. After losing to Hand in the SCC Tournament, Guilford defeated Pomperaug in the second round of states before losing to top-seeded state finalist RHAM in the quarters. This season, Guilford has gotten out to a 6-4 start through the first three weeks of play and Coach Meyer said the Indians are close to finding their sweet spot on the floor.
“We have some big shoes to fill after that 16-4 season. We have many players coming back from that team, so they are used to that winning and success,” said Meyer. “We have the abilities and players to continue that same winning, but it’s just about finding that right mix now. We have to make the right plays at the right time, develop consistency, and finish games quicker.”
Last week, the Indians pulled out a 3-2 divisional victory over Mercy on Sept. 26, handing the Tigers only their second loss of the year. Guilford then took a 3-1 defeat to Shelton two days later. The Indians ended the week on a high note, though, after sweeping non-conference opponent Griswold in three sets on Sept. 30.
The Indians’ three senior captains for this season are Cia Mirrione, who’s switched from middle to outside hitter; Natalie Stanton, a middle hitter; and Eryn Murtagh, a first-year starter at the defensive specialist position.
“Cia is a vocal player, both on the court as a player and off of it as a motivator. Natalie’s serve has improved a ton from last season. She is getting aces and is one of our best servers,” said Coach Meyer. “Eryn brings great leadership skills on and off the court, plus she’s also a great passer.”
Trinity Flynn adds more experience to the Indians as she returns at right side hitter after starting as a sophomore, while fellow junior Amanda King is back at outside hitter to round out their strong attack. Seniors Jill Wirth and Caroline Wienkamp are sharing the setter’s duties.
“Trinity has become much more comfortable and vocal on the court this year. She’s a lefty with a great swing that creates a wall for the other team,” Meyer said. “Both Caroline and Jill bring great qualities. Jill is more vocal and Caroline can get to the ball very well. Amanda is a two-year starter and is as good at hitting as she is at passing.”
In last week’s win versus Mercy, the Indians dropped the first (23-25) and third (14-25) sets, but took the second (25-18) and fourth (25-18) sets, plus the decisive fifth set (15-13) to come away with the win. King had 10 kills, while Mirrione added 14 and Flynn had a dozen. Big digs came from Wirth (15), King (13), senior Olivia Somo (11), and junior Julia Hyman (10). Wirth also handed out 31 assists.
The Indians were down two sets to none against Shelton after losing 16-25, 19-25, but won the third set 25-21 to stave off elimination before taking an 11-25 loss in the fourth. Mirrione had 10 kills, King recorded 13 digs, and Wienkamp dished out 11 assists for Guilford.
The Indians are no longer a part of the Hammonasset Division due to the realignment of the SCC this fall. Now, Guilford is in the Oronoque Division with longtime rival Hand, plus Career, West Haven, and Mercy. Guilford is facing each of these foes twice in the regular season and has several other pivotal conference clashes. Coach Meyer feels that a key for the Indians to consistently come out on top is to develop that killer instinct late in matches in order to close them out.
“Hand is always a key one for us. We lost to them earlier this year, but we’ll see them again. We have a good handful of must-win game, and we’ve won those so far. Mercy and Shelton are good matchups, plus we had five-set losses to Sheehan and Branford, so those teams are on the girls’ radar for the second time around,” said Coach Meyer. “We’re right where we want to be right now. We have Monday morning quarterback-type sessions after each game and the vibe of the team is very positive, even after five-set defeats. They pick each other up and stay positive. We have a strong front row of hitters and the passing is improving. We are just working on our competitive edge. It’s about winning that volley and point and not just playing through the motions.”
From the Sidelines
Laura Meyer is in her third year as the head coach of the Indians. Assisting on the Indians’ staff this year are Guilford boys’ basketball Head Coach Jeff DeMaio, who’s the JV coach and in his third year with the volleyball program; plus a newcomer in freshman coach Alyssa Dunn.
Guilford is 1-3 in the Oronoque Division this year, having beat Mercy last week and previously taking defeats to Hand, West Haven, and Career.