FCIAC: Blue Wave Wins, Wins and Wins Again

In a span of less than 48 hours, three Blue Wave teams won FCIAC (Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference) titles. Starting with the field hockey team on Thursday with their win over New Canaan, followed by two more championships on Saturday. The Darien High School girls swimming team ended an 11-year reign by Greenwich with a come-from-behind win; it was the first-ever FCIAC girls swimming championship.

The volleyball team on the other hand, is accustomed to winning titles. And on Saturday, they won their ninth consecutive FCIAC championship over a good Greenwich team at Ludlowe.

One thing about watching Laurie LaRusso's squad: you never have to "brown bag" it. No need to bring your lunch or even a snack, because you're in and out of the gym in about an hour. It's always "Three-and-out." In the 21, three-game matches played this season, Darien has won 63 consecutive games.

In Saturday's match, Greenwich was more than competitive in the first game. But with the score tied at 14—all. the Blue Wave took over, winning 11 of the next 15 points for a 25—18 first game.

Greenwich had defended well with strong blocks and digs, but the weight of the kills—mostly by the tall trees, Sarah Gorski and Colby Billhardt (both six foot two)—were taking its toll on Greenwich. Billhardt had 11 kills in the match, and Gorski had 12 for the day. They mixed in some timely tips with the power.

On defense, a not-so-tall tree Sarah Suckow and MVP Mackenzie Begley, borrowed an old Con Edison slogan: "Dig we must." They gobbled up anything within diving distance.

After the reasonably close first game, the Wave took over. They ran off the first seven points in the second game and had a comfortable lead throughout. Despite a brief, late flurry by the Cardinals. Darien won the game 25—17.

Third game brought more of the same. Darien was out of the gate quickly, leading 10—0 before Greenwich got a point. The Cardinals made a run scoring six straight points and closed to within three points; but Darien took over again after Suckow and Begley made two sensational digs, leading to Gorski's big time kill that ended the game.

On the play, Begley saved a ball off the net and got it back over the net after Suckow made the tough dig leading to the Gorski kill. Begley said they practice taking balls off the net, and while the play surprised some spectators, it didn't surprise the players. That led to four consecutive Darien points, a 25—17 final game score and an FCIAC title.

"Our communication was good today. It definitely played a big part in the win," said Gorski.

Billhardt also looked to her teamates—quite literally—as reason for the big win.

"We really played well, and you could look in your teammates eyes after a point and see the determination was there," she said.

The most difficult decision in the match was selecting the MVP. Any of the Darien regulars could have won the award.

"They are a complete team. There are no weaknesses out there," said Greenwich Coach Steve Lapham after the match.

The Wave had terrific serving all game long from Begley, Corinne Sommi and Olivia Taylor. All players made major contributions. In the end, Mackenzie Begley was awarded the title for her dynamite digs. Begley had 27 assists along with 16 service points.

Greenwich (18—3) saw big games from Kelsey Goodwin with 11 kills; Christine Lo with 11 assists, 123 service points and four digs; Kate Centofanti with six kills and eight digs, and Hannah Statham—eight digs.

Darien moves into the state tournament next Thursday, Nov. 12, seeded number one and gunning for its ninth straight title.