The Haddam-Killingworth volleyball team has been bitten by the injury bug this season, but thy Cougars aren’t making any excuses. Instead, they’re taking a next-person-up mentality and are pushing themselves to give their all on the floor every night. That approach appears to be working as H-K improved to 9-3 by winning all three of last week’s matches, while qualifying for the Class M State Tournament in the process.

Last year, Head Coach Robin Callender’s squad advanced to its second Shoreline Conference final in three years and then reached the quarterfinals of the Class M bracket en route to an overall record of 21-3. This fall, four of H-K’s varsity players--senior captain Sam Mohammed and juniors Kristen Dansereau, Emily Jennings, and Ellie Hinds--have all missed time due to injuries. Despite this adversity, H-K used the strength of its depth chart, along with a lot of heart and hustle, to win nine of its first 12 matches. Last week, the Cougars then earned a 3-0 sweep over Creed on Oct. 3, qualified for states with a 3-1 victory versus Hale-Ray the next night, and then finished the week with a 3-0 sweep of Morgan on Oct. 6.

Callender said that while the wave of injuries was certainly unexpected, it resulted in some understudies getting some valuable time in the varsity spotlight.

“This year was definitely not what we were expecting, but with the starters being hurt, it’s taken a while to come up with a lineup that allows us to be competitive,” said Callender. “It put us in a spot where we had to bring up some sophomores to help out, but I’ve seen a big difference in them from that first set to now. They feel more at ease. The first three losses we’ve had, it hurt not having those key players, but hopefully, we’ll be better in the second half.”

Mohammed is sharing the captain’s chair with senior back row player Kate Porter, who’s now in her second year in that role. Elizabeth Doxee is H-K’s other senior and plays the libero position. Although her club’s lineup has been in a state of flux throughout the campaign, Coach Callender said that all three seniors have proven rock solid in terms of maintaining a positive vibe on the squad.

“Kate does it all. She sets, she hits. She’s our most consistent player in the back row. She’s able to take charge on and off the court. She knows her role as captain and knows how to get the team united. She’s a go-getter and team player,” Callender said. “When Sam couldn’t play, she was at every practice. She has a great attitude and wants to see the girls succeed. Elizabeth is phenomenal as libero and so supportive of the team. They’ve all really played a significant role on the team and are determined to help us get back on track.”

Juniors Julliette Sasso and Leah Forte are playing middle hitter the Cougars, while sophomore Teagan Chrzanowski is holding it down up front. Sophomore Adelle Biondi joins Porter in the back row, junior Amanda Minervino is an outside hitter, and fellow junior Alicia Sleight is playing setter for H-K.

“The last few games, Juliet and Leah have really come on strong. Their confidence is increasing and they go for the kills,” said Callender. “Some of the kills Teagan has been getting, I can’t describe them. They’re great. Adele is great with reading where the ball will go and getting it to the setter. Alicia is tremendous with her serving. Amanda has done a really good job as outside hitter. All of the girls have been great with playing their positions the best they can.”

Even in their defeats, the Cougars haven’t gone away quietly. As H-K enters the home stretch of the regular season, Coach Callender and company are looking to get back to full strength, continue growing stronger as a group, and then make another run in the playoffs.

“When we had those injuries, we still wanted to be as competitive as we could be for each match and see where it took us. None of the first three losses were blowouts, and we were dealing with four varsity players out at one point,” said Callender. “They want to work together, and we are looking forward to the growth towards playing as a team. We hope to come together in the second half and play our game. We want to go as far as we can in Shorelines and states, and there’s no reason why we can’t do that.”

From the Sidelines

Robin Callender is in her third season as head coach of the H-K volleyball team.

Sandee Moyher in the Cougars’ assistant coach this fall.

Prior to last week, H-K’s wins came against Morgan (3-0), Cromwell (3-2), Coginchaug (3-0), Old Lyme (3-0), North Branford (3-0), and East Hampton (3-0).