It was a very eventful and wild championship Saturday at Berlin High School where all four state volleyball games took place. But there was one game, one moment that really hit me — No. 1 unbeaten RHAM at 21-0 vs. the Platt Panthers 17-3.
The game, to say the least, was very INTENSE. Both teams played extremely, but the Panthers, behind senior and MVP of the Class L tourney, Gabriela Vazquez, clawed Platt to 3-1 victory — tallying up 33 kills, 16 digs, four aces and two blocks.
While her play was phenomenal, it was her emotion after the game that really stood out. When the announcers called her name up to hand her the MVP trophy, tears of joy trickled down her face as she walked into her head coach Lou Gianacopolos arms. She was speechless. It was a surreal moment for her and her team.
“I’m just so grateful now. Oh my. I just don’t have words to express my feelings. I’m going to remember this forever,” she said.
Gianacopolos, on the other hand, said this win was very big for the school because they haven’t had a state title in any sports in 25 years.
With the Panthers winning the game with set scores of 25-21, 28-26, 20-25 and 26-24, it made me appreciate all the hard work these young kids put into their craft, and how sports can unite a group who develop into a small family. To some kids, a sport is their first love — keeping them focused and driven toward success.
The final score of the other three games:
- Coventry 3, Lyman Memorial 2 (25-16, 25-21, 26-28, 17-25, 15-12)
- Waterford 3, Ellington 0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-13)
- Fairfield Ludlowe 3, Greenwich 0 (26-24, 25-23, 25-16)
As the fall season of high school sports comes to an end, we congratulate all the winners and runner-ups, because you boys and girls worked very hard to compete in these finals and everyone’s future is very bright. Thank you for the fun weekend. Winter sports, BRING IT ON.
By Bobby Martinez
Multimedia Producer for CPTV Sports
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