By Michael Letendre
MERIDEN – The Bristol Central volleyball team has started the season at 2-0, ending the first week of scholastic competition with a 3-0 sweep of Maloney on Thursday evening in Meriden.
Set scores were 25-13, 25-14 and 25-14 as Central has won all six of its sets to date.
The Rams (2-0) played an excellent defensive game against a traditionally tough CCC South opponent.
Over the course of three sets, Maloney (1-2) was limited to just eight kills as Central’s defense popped up several point-scoring attempts.
On the flip side, the Rams dropped down several balls on the Spartans’ side of the court for points.
Grace Higgins led the charge with eight kills and six digs while Lily Kirk contributed five kills and plopped in a couple serves that ultimately would never be returned.
Several players made contributions for Central including Leah Sklenka (two kills), Isabella Alves (two kills) and Emily Fontaine (two aces).
Daigelis Figueroa bumped up eight digs while floor general Alex Rivera (16 assists, five digs, three aces) displayed her usual tremendous all-around game.
Kate Schilling also saw a little floor time for the victors.
Maloney’s Ava Matias had four kills while Myalis DeJesus chipped in with two aces and eight digs.
Lance Pepper charges have played well to start the campaign and the Central program has six big matches to end the month of September – including a showdown against crosstown rival Bristol Eastern.
The Rams go back-to-back to open the new week – battling New Britain (Monday, 6:30 p.m.) from home before taking a quick bus ride to Berlin (6 p.m.) the following day.
On Friday, it’s a CCC confrontation at Southington (6 p.m.) before earning a little court time from the Charles C. Marsh Gymnasium.
On Tuesday, September 26 Platt hits Bristol (6:30 p.m.) for a CCC South clash and then on Thursday, September 28, it’s Central/Eastern, Part one.
Match time for that exciting bout is 6:30 p.m. and the contest is going to be another no-miss event.
Bristol Central Volleyball – CCC South Showdown
BRISTOL CENTRAL 3, MALONEY 0 (Thursday, September 14)
from Francis T. Maloney High School, Howie Hewitt Court
Set Scores: 25-13, 25-14 and 25-14
Highlights: Bristol Central – Lily Kirk, 5 kills, 2 aces, 2 digs; Grace Higgins, 8 kills, 6 digs; Leah Sklenka, 2 kills; Isabella Alves, 2 kills; Emily Fontaine, 2 aces; Daigelis Figueroa, 8 digs; Alex Rivera, 16 assists, 5 digs, 3 aces; Maloney – Ava Matias, 4 kills; Myalis DeJesus, 2 aces, 8 digs; Keren Crespo, 4 digs; Samantha Cicio, 4 digs; Emma Bacote, 4 assists.
Records: Bristol Central 2-0 overall; Maloney 1-2 (1-1 CCC South)
Bristol Central Volleyball – 2023 Team Roster
No. / Name (Year)
2. Caitlyn Carbone (Sophomore)
5. Lindsey Brothwell (Senior)
6. Kate Schilling (Senior)
7. Grace Higgins (Junior)
8. Emily Fontaine (Junior)
10. Leah Sklenka (Senior)
11. Lily Kirk (Sophomore)
12. Daigelis Figueroa (Junior)
14. Isabella Alves (Freshmen)
16. Lily Hinton (Junior)
19. Alex Rivera (Senior)
