The Branford volleyball team is dealing with things that are atypical for any high school squad in the early phases of a fall season. But one thing that sets the Hornets apart from any run-of-the-mill club is the heart and effort they are taking to overcome those obstacles and turn the corner on the year.

The Hornets are fresh off a very successful 2023 campaign in which they attained dual postseason status by qualifying for both the SCC and Class L State Tournaments following an 11-7 regular season mark. In the SCC draw, seventh-ranked Branford bested No. 10 Sheehan 3-0 in the first round before a quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Cheshire, 3-0.

For 2024, Branford is off to a tough 3-5 start thus far this fall. Head Coach Mike Martone detailed that the slow beginning has been due in large part to the injury plague. He has preached to the girls to stick to their identity, and everything will fall into place.

“Our goal every year is to play the game correctly and as a team. We are built for success if we play within ourselves and minimize mistakes,” said Martone. “We had to overcome some early-season injuries and feel we are navigating them well. If we continue our current trajectory, we will be playoff bound come the end of the season.”

Sophie Santos is one of the three senior captains leading the charge for Branford. As a right side and outside hitter, Sophie secures a great amount of ground on offense. She is additionally a champion of camaraderie off the floor for her teammates.

“Sophie packs a punch when hitting, as well as from the service line,” said Mortone. “She is a respected captain who focuses on team building and unifying the squad on and off the court.”

A platooning outside hitter and senior squad steward is Sailor Plourde. She takes on an unassuming persona around the club when it comes to her interaction, though she always brings the fire and effort within the confines of a match.

“Sailor has really upped her game over the last season. She is a consistent hitter and a very good all-around player,” said Martone. “She is a quiet leader who the girls look up to and respect for her empathy toward them and her hard work on the floor.”

Lastly, libero Riley O’Brien carries a big plus in the experience column for Branford. She is the type of teammate with magnetic energy that makes everyone around her that much better.

“Riley is a multiple-year starter who brings an outstanding skill set and volleyball acumen to the position,” Martone said. “Riley leads with fire and intensity, and she pushes her team to achieve physical goals they may have thought were unattainable.”

Moving further through the roster and into the junior class, Julianne Henkel is a setter who has made marked improvements in just two short full seasons. Her swift rise up the ranks is an inspirational story to her colleagues.

“Julianne Henkel has put tons of time into her game,” said Martone. “She started at the position all of last year, and she also pushes herself to ensure her teammates can succeed.”

Another upperclassman piece of the attacking corps for the Hornets this fall is junior middle hitter Lea Sekerovic, who has shown a strong ability to continue to grow in her skills as each day passes.

“Lea Sekerovic is a big middle hitter with a ton of blocking and offensive prowess,” said Martone. “She will only grow in skill over this season and the next.”

On Sept. 16, Branford hosted Mercy and won 3-2. Plourde and Madison McClain had seven kills each, and Sekerovic had five. Brielle Markelton recorded nine aces, 15 digs, and 23 assists, while Plourde and O’Brien had 14 digs each.

On Sept. 18, the team hosted Lyman Hall and won 3-1. Sekerovic had 10 kills, and O’Brien had 26 digs. Plourde had 15 digs, while Julia Burton had 12. Markelton had 27 assists.

The Hornets ended the week at Hamden on Sept. 20 and fell 3-0.

The Southern Connecticut Conference is one of the more reputable leagues in the CIAC, and the script is no different when it comes to girls’ volleyball. While Branford sits in the Hammonasset Division alongside Cheshire, Lauralton Hall, Mercy, and Lyman Hall, the Hornets must stay on their toes and anticipate a dog fight daily.

“Every game is important; we play out of the SCC, which is full of talent and teams who can play the game at the highest level,” said Martone. “We always need to be ready to play the game well and be challenged by teams in our conference. Some of our biggest competitions on a yearly basis are Cheshire and Amity. This year, Lauralton Hall and Foran are looking dominant, as well.”

There will certainly be ebbs and flows as the Hornets turn the page to October and the back half of the regular season. When it comes to navigating those choppy waters, it will come down to the three elements they can control in attitude, effort, and focus.

“I anticipate a challenging but rewarding season. We always want to teach our teams to be successful, but that does not put an overemphasis on winning,” said Martone. “[Assistant coach Ellery Riccio] and I expect our teams to be dedicated and passionate about the game and work hard together. When they do that, they will achieve the desired outcome. We have a lot of highly skilled athletes who put a lot of time into mastering the game.”

Martone is now in his fifth campaign as Hornets' head coach, while Riccio has been at his side as assistant coach/JV coach for four of those years.

The Branford 2024 team roster is comprised of seniors Plourde, Burton, O’Brien, McClain, Olivia May, Santos; juniors Sophia Tamsin, Stella Andresen, Henkel, Erin Murphy, Ayla Omeragic, Sekerovic, Aziley Crespo-Morris; sophomores Elizabeth Harmon, Saloni Shrestha, Tatum Lipka; plus freshmen Markelton, Lily McNeil, Abbey Mangler, Jocelyn LeBlanc, Humphries Josclyn, Emma Tran, Sophia Falcigno, and Rylee Marshall.

2024 Branford Volleyball Team Regular Season Results and Schedule

Sept. 3: East Haven 3, Branford 2

Sept. 5: Foran 3, Branford 0

Sept. 9: Lauralton Hall 3, Foran 0

Sept. 11: Branford 3, Law 0

Sept. 13: Cheshire 3, Branford 0

Sept. 16: Branford 3, Mercy 2

Sept. 18: Branford 3, Lyman Hall 1

Sept. 20: Hamden 3, Branford 0

Monday, Sept. 23: vs. East Haven at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 26: at Foran at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 30: at Lauralton Hall at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 2: at Law at 5:15 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 4: vs. Cheshire at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 7: at Mercy at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 10: at Lyman Hall at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: vs. Hamden at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 17: at Waterford at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 21: at North Branford at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 23: at Fitch at 6 p.m.