Sport picks up where it left off

As many spring athletes celebrated getting outside for games and practices, boys volleyball teams across the state were thrilled to get back into gymnasiums.

Boys volleyball is back playing this spring with some modified rules but otherwise picking up where it left off in 2019.

Those involved with the sport said that while the number of participants is down slightly from 2019, they expect a quick recovery based on the fact that many of the players come out on the recommendation of friends who have enjoyed playing.

Defending Class L champion Staples is 8-2 with runner-up Daren at 10-0. In Class M, 2019 champion Newington is 9-1 and runner-up Cheshire is 7-2.

Staples, which was loaded for a run at a third title in

2020, has a completely new roster made up of players previously only on JV.

The good news for the Wreckers is four of the current starters played club volleyball and participated in clinics in the year away.

“Last year we would have been strong with a chance to win it again. The worst part is those eight boys will never know,” Staples thirdyear coach John Sedlock said. “Part of the reason we have played well in the start is those four kids who put in the work in the off-season and all through the missed year.”

Staples had 39 athletes signed up for volleyball in

2020 but only 18 this spring. The new rules in place do not alter the game drastically and are in line with how girls volleyball was played successfully in the fall.

Players must wear masks the entire game with mask breaks allowed during the contest.

Teams do not switch sides of the net or change benches as is traditional in volleyball, there are no pregame handshakes and no line judges.

Additionally, for the 2021 regular season only, the CIAC has reduced the number of games a team must play to qualify for states down to 10. If a team does not meet the minimum number of games to qualify because of the pandemic, yet meet the required win percentage, they may appeal to the CIAC to play in the state tournament.

That rule was put in place to allow teams who may face shutdowns or quarantines to have a chance to play in the postseason.

The FCIAC has slightly altered its postseason format and will allow all 13 teams to play in the playoffs with a play-down round prior to the quarterfinals. In past years, the FCIAC has had eight teams in the league tournament.

The SCC will hold its tournament with its five participating teams.

Sericson @stamfordadvocate.com; @EricsonSports