GIRLS VOLLEYBALL HIGHLIGHTS

A look at some of the top performances in volleyball for the start of the fall season, and a peek ahead at some games to watch during the next week.

TOP PERFORMERS

Maile Estacion, Hamden: The junior hitter had 12 aces and 17 digs during a 3-0 win over Wilbur Cross on Sept. 15. She added six kills, 17 digs and four aces in a 3-1 win against Law on Sept. 20.

Avery Fitzgerald, Jonathan Law: Fitzgerald had a team-high 16 kills during a 3-0 shutout of Daniel Hand on Sept. 15.

Marzia Johnson, Branford: The senior tri-captain collected 40 digs and five kills in the Hornets’ five-set win against Shelton on Sept. 20. Johnson also had 28 digs in a 3-2 win over North Branford on Sept. 13.

Halle Krause, Guilford: The Grizzlies’ setter had 22 assists and served up seven aces during a 3-0 victory against Foran on Sept. 20.

Madison Lodovico, Bristol Central: Lodavico, a junior, racked up 41 kills and 24 digs in the Rams’ first four matches. That included a 15-kill, 9-dig performance in a 3-1 win over Avon on Sept. 13.

Bailey McDermott, Amity: The senior had 97 assists and 27 digs as the Spartans won their first four matches. She collected 33 of those assists in a 3-1 victory over Guilford on Sept. 15.

Ellie Moore, Darien: The sophomore setter had a big match in a 3-0 win over Woodstock Academy on Sept. 10, collecting 10 aces, 17 assists and five digs. She also had 14 kills in a season-opening shutout of Brookfield.

Olivia Orris, Stratford: Orvis served up 13 aces as Stratford defeated Platt Tech on Sept. 21.

Julia Papelo, Amity: Papelo, a senior, had 36 kills in two matches last week, including 14 in a 3-1 win over Guilford, and 22 in a 3-0 shutout of Mercy.

Abby Speckhals, Old Lyme: The senior setter had 14 assists, 17 digs, three kills, 2 aces and a block during a 3-1 loss to Hale Ray on Sept. 20. In five matches, Speckhals has 96 assists and 60 digs. Old Lyme is 2-3.

GAMES TO WATCH

Trumbull at Avon, Fri., Sept. 24,

5:30: A battle of perennial contenders from the FCIAC and CCC. Trumbull, which won a Class LL title in 2019, has won two of its first three matches, while Avon is 2-4. RHAM at South Windsor, Mon., Sept. 27, 5: RHAM is on a run of four consecutive CCC championships, and has come out of the gates strong at 4-1. South Windsor is knocking on the door and has started 3-1. Cheshire at Guilford, Mon., Sept. 27, 5:30: Cheshire won the SCC’s Div. B, while Guilford won Div. C during last year’s abbreviated season. Each team graduated key players, but both remain contenders.