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09/17/2017 12:00 AMThe Hand girls’ volleyball squad came one set away from being one of the final four teams left in the Class L State Tournament last fall. While the Tigers have lost some key contributors from that impressive run, they also feature a roster full of athletes who are fostering positivity and developing synergy both on and off the court—hallmarks of any squad that has great expectations.
After losing to Branford in last year’s SCC Tournament, Head Coach Ally Johnson’s club came back from a two-set deficit to defeat the Hornets 3-2 in the second round of the Class L State Tournament. Then in the quarterfinals against Pomperaug, Hand lost a five-setter by the final of 25-18, 25-23, 17-25, 13-25, 10-15 to conclude the season at 17-6 overall.
This fall, Hand began the year with a 3-0 loss to Amity on Sept. 11, but bounced back by posting a 3-0 sweep of Sacred Heart Academy two nights later. On Sept. 15, the Tigers took a 3-0 defeat to Guilford to move to 1-2 for the year.
Even though the Tigers graduated eight players from last year’s squad, Coach Johnson feels optimistic for the road ahead in 2017. Johnson said that her players are motivated to reach the next level and have the right intangibles to do so.
“We are really looking forward to working hard and having a great season,” said Coach Johnson. “We only have a few returning varsity players, but all of the girls are excited to play and eager to learn. The girls are working hard and communicating well together. They are playing together and giving their all with everything that they do, so I couldn’t be happier with that. It’s a great group of girls that are willing to do whatever is asked of them.”
The Tigers have a tandem of hitters leading the charge as their senior captains this season. Halle Freund plays the middle hitter position for Hand, while Anna LeFante doubles down as an outside and right-side hitter. Coach Johnson said the main thing that stands out with her captains doesn’t necessarily have to do with the number of kills or aces they get, but rather, their professional and passionate approach to leadership.
“Anna brings a positive attitude, and she’s always encouraging the other girls. She’s great with helping organize things and with the team doing volunteer work in the community. She’s a great role model,” Johnson said. “Halle is a power hitter. She brings positivity and encouragement to the team, as well.”
Outside hitter Olivia Amplo is another key member of Hand’s senior class. Coach Johnson said that Amplo makes her mark on the floor as a versatile player who can cover a lot of real estate, while also making her teammates feel right at home.
“She’s a player who is in the game throughout each match. She plays the front and back rows, too,” said Johnson. “She helps guide the younger girls out there and shows them where they need to be. She’s an aggressive player.”
The Tigers will once again be fighting their way through a competitive SCC schedule, including a stacked Oronoque Division as they try to defend their title while dealing with the likes of rivals Mercy and Guilford. Coach Johnson said that her team is determined to keep climbing those rungs on the postseason ladder this season.
“In every game, we must have a positive mindset, because there are a lot of strong SCC teams. There is a big rivalry between us and Guilford. Sacred Heart Academy, East Haven, and Amity are strong programs, so it’s anybody’s year in the SCC,” Johnson said. “Every year, we go into the season hoping to get to the next step. Reaching the state quarterfinals was a great accomplishment, but our goals are to reach the SCC and state finals. We want to be the ones on top at the end.”
From the Sidelines
Ally Johnson is back for her fourth campaign as head coach of the Hand girls’ volleyball squad.
The Tigers’ JV coach is Eva Esposito, and their freshman coach is Tara Dering.
Hand has SCC Oronoque Division clashes with Guilford (Friday, Oct. 6, away), Mercy (Wednesday, Sept. 20, away; Friday, Oct. 13, home), West Haven (Friday, Sept. 22, home; Monday, Oct. 16, away), and Career (Monday, Sept. 25, away; Friday, Oct. 20, home) on the schedule this fall.