Canton spikers earn first win of season over Hartford Classical

Canton head coach Eileen Holden discusses strategy with the Warriors in Thursday night’s win over Hartford Classical. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

HARTFORD, Sept. 17 – The Canton High girls volleyball team isn’t the same team that won just four of 20 matches a year ago. The Warriors are a year older, more experienced and tougher.

Canton earned its first win of the season Thursday night under first-year head coach Eileen Holden with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Hartford Classical, 25-22, 25-13, 18-25, 25-14. Jessica Lyons led Canton with three kills and three digs.

It’s a nice little rivalry that is developing between Canton and Classical. The Gladiators swept the Warriors, 3-0 last September but in October, Canton earned its first-ever win over Classical with a tight 26-24, 25-23, 21-25, 25-22 decision.

Canton (1-1, 1-1 NCCC) played well in its season opening loss to Bolton. Amber Harridan had 19 kills in the 26-24, 25-20, 14-25, 25-23 loss to Bolton.

The Warriors return to action Monday night when they host defending NCCC champion Coventry at 5:30 p.m. They will also play Enfield at home next Friday night at 5:30 p.m.