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10/06/2024 09:07 PMA year ago, the Haddam-Killingworth volleyball team stood one victory away from capping off an impressive campaign with the biggest crowning achievement a club could covet. This year, the Cougars are hungrier and more determined than ever to check off that final box.
Last fall, the Cougars finished 15-5 overall for the regular season prior to competing in the Shoreline Conference Tournament, defeating Old Lyme in the opener before bowing out to Valley Regional in the semis. Yet as the No. 5 seed in the Class S State Tournament, H-K earned an opening-round bye prior to prevailing with 3-0 sweeps over No. 12 SMSA, fourth-seeded Wolcott Tech, and No. 8 Holy Cross to notch a spot in the state final–the program’s first appearance since taking the Class S championship in 2014.
Facing third-ranked Coventry for the crown on Nov. 17 at SMSA, the Cougars took a three-set defeat in a valiant effort to finish an impressive body of work with their season record, concluding at 19-7 overall.
The Cougars have ripped it up on the floor to a quite impressive record of 12-1 this regular season. Head Coach Robin Callender and the Cougars are not getting lost in their early-season success, though. They are well aware that in order to achieve the desired ultimate goal, it is about developing a group that is cohesive and adept at every single skill.
“Our team goals for this year are to try and play consistently and competitively against each and every match, and to continue to develop our skills,” said Callender. “We are trying to focus our attention on making good choices, playing smart so that we can make fewer unforced errors, especially when we are towards the end of each set. As a team, we want to play together and become well connected and balanced so that we can be as competitive as possible, especially when we are playing in the Shoreline and state tournaments.”
The senior captains for the Cougars this fall are Ava Mazzotta, Caley Napoletano, and Lauren Wiese. Mazzotta is one of H-K’s setters and hits the right side when she is in the front row. Meanwhile, Napoletano occupies the libero position and is a spark plug for the defense. Lastly, Wiese is an offensive asset in the center as a middle hitter.
“Ava is a great player who can basically play any position, and she is able to get the job done for us. We utilize Ava in every aspect of volleyball, including serve receive. She is supportive, empathetic, and respectful to her teammates,” said Callender. “Caley is an outstanding athlete who defends our side of the court in an amazing manner. She is quick, athletic, and is able to take control of our defense. Just when I think a hard hit from our opponent is going to hit the floor, Caley is in a position where she can dive and bring the volleyball up to our setter. Lauren is extremely talented and passionate about volleyball and continues to be a force when she is playing middle. She is consistent with her ability to block, especially at key moments. Lauren also is capable of making smart choices, whether she hits hard to an open space or tips right over the blocker. Lauren has accountability with her teammates to make her a great leader.”
Additionally within the senior class, H-K houses other outstanding competitors. Jayani Bennett is another one of the Cougars’ outside hitters. Making room in the middle with Wiese is middle hitter Caiohme Sweeney.
“Jayani has been a key factor for our success. Her growth with serving, receiving, and defense has been a tremendous asset for our success. She also has an amazing ability with her hitting and blocking skills,” said Callender. “Caiohme is one of our most valuable and consistent players on our team. When we are in need of getting a point, Caiohme is our go-to person! She has worked extremely hard in the offseason to fine tune the fundamentals, and it totally shows with her performance out on the court.”
Calendar was quick to commend the Cougars’ first blemish on their record for the 2024 campaign and someone who they will very likely see down the road in the playoffs. Yet she also pointed to a poignant moment and signature win by never giving in with a resounding rally.
“Our first loss was to Valley Regional, who I consider to be an outstanding and elite volleyball team. Our second match against East Hampton was probably one of our best comeback performances. East Hampton, another consistent and strong team, was winning two sets to zero. H-K was playing very inconsistent, and we just couldn’t keep the lead in the second set. We ended up losing that set, 26-24,” said Callender. “The seniors got together, decided that they were going to play at our level, making changes so that they could be more productive and efficient with our fundamentals, while focusing on executing the task at hand. We ended up winning the last three sets, playing together and with confidence.”
Upcoming matches on the remaining regular season slate for H-K that will prove to be competitive clashes will be against Hale-Ray, Morgan, Lyman Memorial, along with Old Lyme, Coginchaug, and Portland. Calendar knows that the girls, despite their current record, do have some fine-tuning to do, but they have the experience and talent to take their postseason aspirations far.
“All of the Shoreline teams have strong players that can compete and take any team out, so we need to try and stay one step ahead of them,” said Callender. “Our team continues to grow and develop into better players with each practice and match. The five seniors have been great leaders and motivators to help the juniors and sophomores compete at a higher level by believing in themselves and in their ability to compete as a team, especially when we are competing against an elite opponent. We do have some hiccups, like letting teams back in after we have a significant lead, but we are focusing on trying to limit the hiccups. We are hoping to play competitively and go as far as we can in the Shoreline and state tournaments.”
Callender is in her 11th season at the helm. Her assistant coaches include Kate Porter, who is an H-K volleyball alumnus and this is her second year as JV coach. The Cougars also have Sadie Budzik, who is in her first campaign with the program.
The Cougars’ 2024 roster is comprised of seniors Wiese, Mazzotta, Bennett, Sweeney, Napoletano; juniors Olivia LaTorre, Nola Minickene, Stephanie Coleman; sophomores Audrey Bailey, Juliette Harriman, Mia Lomuntad, Kacey Coon, Mia McLaughlin, Ava Geissler, Riley Stephens, Grace Natanzon, Maizie Irons, Ava McNamara, Mackenzie Keating; plus freshmen Olivia Stepehns, Giana Roman, Kaitlyn Mazer, Emma Forster, Rachel Burt, Brianna Schaefer, Violet Shattraw, Grace Shariff, and Kaylee Chlodnicki.
2024 H-K Volleyball Regular Season Results and Schedule
Sept. 3: H-K 3, East Hampton 1
Sept. 5: H-K 3, Valley Regional 1
Sept. 9: H-K 3, Cromwell 1
Sept. 11: H-K 3, North Branford 1
Sept. 13: H-K 3, Morgan 2
Sept. 16: H-K 3, Coginchaug 0
Sept. 18: H-K 3, Old Lyme 0
Sept. 20: H-K 3, Portland 0
Sept. 23: H-K 3, Hale-Ray 1
Sept. 25: H-K 3, East Hampton 2
Sept. 27: Valley Regional 3, H-K 0
Sept. 30: H-K 3, Cromwell 0
Oct. 2: H-K 3, North Branford 0
Monday, Oct. 7: at Morgan at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 9: vs. Coginchaug at 4 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11: at Old Lyme at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 14: vs. Portland at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16: at Hale-Ray at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 21: vs. Lyman Memorial at 4 p.m.