Morgan volleyball has always been a program that's seen the ultimate in success, but the 2013 season proved to be one for the ages. The Huskies finished 26-0, won the Shoreline Conference title for the 22nd straight year, and claimed the biggest piece of the pie: the Class S title, something Morgan won for the first time since 2005.

"We were on a mission all year and this team is in the discussion as one of the best of all time," said Coach Joe Grippo, who was inducted into the Connecticut Volleyball Hall of Fame last week. "No team has ever gone 26-0 before at Morgan. We've had undefeated years, but not as many wins."

The Huskies took hold of the top spot in the state early and never let it go. Only dropping a total of five sets all season, Morgan defeated East Hampton 3-0 on Nov. 15 for the Shoreline crown and then claimed the ultimate prize in winning the state title, all of this after finally defeating Coventry-a program the Huskies have had notable trouble with in the state tournament in the past-and then going on to defeat 3rd-seeded Lyman Memorial 3-0 in the final.

Morgan was led by three captains in senior Sarah Dahlberg, senior Lily Dawson, and junior Jen Dawson. Dahlberg suffered a torn ACL in the second match of the year, but "still came to all the practicies and was another coach for us," according to Grippo. Lily Dawson was the Huskies' setter and engine, earning a spot in the Senior All-Star Game, while also being named Shoreline Player of the Year, First Team All-Shoreline, and First Team All-State. Jen Dawson manned the outside hitter position and was named Most Valuable Player of the state final match and earned First Team All-Shoreline, First Team All-State, and New Haven Register All-Area.

Other contributing seniors were Ciera Harris (OPP), Angel Buffington (DS), and Kelsy Orsini, who suffered from an injured wrist midway through the season, but like Dahlberg, provided support from the sidelines.

Junior libero Ashlyn Chidsey proved a solid player for the Huskies and earned Second Team All-Shoreline; sophomore middle hitter Sami Ashton earned Honorable Mention All-Shoreline, and junior outside hitter Kait Anderson also earned Honorable Mention All-Shoreline.

As always, Grippo and his Huskies expect to be in the mix in 2014 once again, despite bidding farewell to such senior talent.

"This was about as perfect as it gets for a coach-a self-motivated, great bunch of kids who came every day and played hard in both practices and games," said Grippo. "What a great atmosphere to play in the finals-it was an awesome experience that is etched in my players' minds. We also got greeted by the Clinton police and fire department upon arriving in Clinton; it was a great night."