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09/08/2018 12:00 AMThe Hand girls’ volleyball team has adopted a new mantra for the 2018 season: Hard work works. The Tigers are definitely practicing what they’re preaching as Head Coach Ally Johnson’s squad has been vigorously preparing for the campaign.
Last year, Hand qualified for the SCC Tournament and took a first-round loss to Branford. In states, the Tigers defeated Bullard-Havens by a 3-0 final in the first round of the Class L State Tournament, before taking a 3-0 loss against E.O. Smith to finish with an overall record of 9-13.
As the Tigers march into another season, Coach Johnson said that her athletes are focused on giving everything they have in all aspects of the game. Johnson knows that when a team displays great diligence off the court, it often translates to success on the court.
“When we came into this year, I had a motto for us this season, which was, ‘Hard work works,’ and that’s what they’ve been doing in the offseason and in the preseason and tryouts,” said Johnson. “They are putting in hard work nonstop. Many of the girls did club volleyball in the offseason and have come back stronger than ever. The team bonding has also transferred to the group.”
Johnson’s squad began its 2018 season by taking a 3-0 (21-25, 12-25, 12-25) defeat against Guilford on Sept. 6. Hand features a pair of seniors who will be serving up leadership for the team this year. The Tigers’ co-captains are Olivia Coppola, a middle hitter; and Amy Akel, who plays the back row. Coach Johnson said that both athletes bring tireless energy to the floor and are keeping this tight-knit team even closer together by brimming with positivity.
“Olivia always has a lot of energy and is encouraging. The team looks to her for support, and I can rely on her for things both on and off the court,” Johnson said. “Amy has energy in everything she does; I haven’t had a captain with this much energy. She works as hard as anyone and goes for every ball. She’s a very positive person.”
The Tigers have several other upperclass athletes who will be a big part of their team this year. Junior Allie Nelson returns as an outside hitter, while fellow junior Emily Thornbury also brings a spark to the offense as a middle/outside hitter. Senior setter Bella Vitale expects to be a crucial asset in Hand’s attack, as well.
“Allie’s growth is tremendous. She put in a lot of work in the offseason, and it’s evident in her play. Emily has grown a lot and will be a force in the front. She’s positive and encouraging, too,” said Coach Johnson. “Bella brings the team together. She’s involved in every play and is a good role model for the girls.”
Johnson said that the SCC portion of the Tigers’ schedule provides a different vibe compared to previous seasons. However, she doesn’t view this as a deterrent. Instead, Coach Johnson believes that Hand’s rigorous slate will help the team be better prepared for any potential postseason rematches.
“It’s a different schedule this year. We are playing Cheshire and Shelton for the first time in my tenure as head coach,” she said. “We are playing strong competition. It’s exciting, and it’s a challenging schedule in a good way. It helps to get us ready for possibly seeing these teams in the postseason.”
As a new campaign gets underway, Coach Johnson said that her athletes are eager to get back into action this year. Based on the heart and hustle she’s seen thus far, Johnson feels confident that the Tigers can put together a special season.
“We are all excited for this year. These girls have the will to win. The girls are looking forward to this season,” said Johnson. “I am very excited and see great things for this team. I’m so proud of the work they’ve put in, and good things can come from this team.”
From the Sidelines
This will be Ally Johnson’s fourth year as head coach of the Hand volleyball team.
The Tigers’ assistant coaches this season are JV coach Eva Esposito and freshman coach Tara Dering.
Hand is competing in the SCC Hammonasset Division with Cheshire, Branford, Mercy, and Lyman Hall.