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10/24/2016 12:00 AMIt’s been a year of great change for the Morgan volleyball team with a new leader at the helm, but the Huskies have gradually strengthened as a group and recently put themselves in position to reach the postseason.
In Morgan’s first year with new Head Coach Paige Trusty, who replaced Joe Grippo, the Huskies started out 4-3 before going a five-match losing streak. However, Morgan bounced right back by winning three of its next five to draw within a victory of states following last week’s 3-0 sweep at Creed on Oct. 17. The Huskies later took 3-0 losses to Hale-Ray and Coginchaug and needed to win their regular season finale at Cromwell on Oct. 24 (after press time) to qualify for postseason play.
“Transition is tricky no matter what. It won’t be a complete transition for a few years, but they’ve played as hard as they possibly can. Our record is not what we want, but our team is working hard,” said Coach Trusty, whose team is 7-12. “It’s been hard on them because they’re used to different things. It took a few bad games to come together and it took those games to make the adjustments to pull off some other wins. Each challenge makes us better for states and helps us in the long run.”
The Huskies have been led this year by a pair of senior captains in Alyssa Robinson and Sydney Chomicz. They’ve proved a tandem that ignites a fire in their teammates with their glass-half-full mentalities, along with a drive to outwork the opposition no matter the situation.
“Alyssa is our setter, so she’s on the court at all times. Her biggest strengths are getting the team together and her positive attitude, even when things are grim. She doesn’t get down on her teammates and enforces the idea that everyone on the team is needed,” Trusty said. “Sydney adds that competitive edge. She motivates the younger girls and she shows them that when you work hard and put the time in, you can become a good player.”
Two fellow upperclass athletes have added even more experience for the Huskies in senior Alex Church in the middle, plus junior back row specialist Taylor Marnett—one athlete who’s been a jack-of-all-trades and another who has the knack to get her teammates up for any match or practice.
“Alex has shined throughout the year. She’s in a tight position in the middle, but she’s also played wherever we’ve needed her. She’s a great team member, who is coachable and gives no attitude. She’s great to have and has stepped in as a leader,” said Trusty. “Taylor is a great leader. We can count on her to get the younger girls going, even in practices. She’s a wonderful leader and kid with a great attitude.”
Although Morgan has struggled at times this season and taken a few rough Shoreline Conference defeats, the team has remained determined to show that there’s still plenty of bite in these Huskies going forward.
“Our record is not reflective of how well we can play together and doesn’t sum up our team. When we play our game, it can get us the wins we deserve,” said Trusty. “We’ve been upset in a few games this year, so we want to show the Shoreline what type of team we are. Our mindset is to come back and take what’s ours.”
In last week’s victory versus Creed, Morgan posted a 25-9, 25-9, 25-13 sweep. Marnett had 22 digs and Robinson contributed five assists in the victory.
From the Sidelines
Jessica Lynch is serving as assistant coach for the Huskies this year.
Morgan’s previous victories came against Old Lyme (3-1 and 3-0), North Branford (3-0), East Hampton (3-1), Creed (3-0), and East Hampton (3-2).
The Huskies additionally entertained two out-of-conference opponents this fall by losing in five sets to Notre Dame-Fairfield on Sept. 9 and later losing in four sets to Fitch on Oct. 3.