Girls Volleyball Advances to State Semis with Win over Ridgefield

By Amanda Sload

The Girls Volleyball team carried forward its undefeated record this Saturday (10/8) with an exciting win over Ridgefield in the State Quarterfinals, 3 sets to 1 (25-13, 20-25, 25-16, and 25-19).

The girls got off to a quick start in the first set, advancing 5-0 with impressive serving from junior Anna Barsanti. The Tigers could not catch back up, and the Wave took the set with ease.
Ridgefield, however, came out strong in the second set, taking a lead early on. Although the Blue Wave came back to within two points, Ridgefield edged them out and took the set 25-20, the first set that Darien has lost in conference play this year.

Darien demonstrated its composure in the third set and bounced back from the dropped set. Although the set was tied 9-9, Darien took off and dominated the second half of the set, eventually taking it 25-13.

The Blue Wave did not let up in the fourth set and put away the Tigers 25-19. Captains senior Claire Naughton and junior Izzy Taylor led the team offensively throughout the game with 15 and 22 kills respectively.

Senior captain Celia Martzolf was pleased with the team’s performance: “Ridgefield put up a good fight, they really came out strong especially in the second set but we kept our focus and didn't let anything get into our heads,” said Martzolf.

The State Semi-finals will take place at Shelton High School on Thursday, November 13th at 6 PM versus Fairfield Ludlowe, whom the Blue Wave beat out for the FCIAC championship. Ludlowe is undefeated this season except for its losses to Darien.

“We're playing Ludlowe for the third time so I'm hoping we'll play as well as we have the last two times and hopefully make it to state championships,” Martzolf says. Support the girls on Thursday in what will be an exciting and important game.

Taylor and the Blue Wave celebrate after a point won during the FCIAC finals. After beating Ridgefield, Darien hopes to repeat its performance in the FCIAC finals against Ludlowe and move on to the state finals. (Credit: Connecticut Post)