Canton spikers continue tournament run with win over Holy Cross

The Canton High girls volleyball team is in the Class S quarterfinals for the first time after Wednesday night’s win over Holy Cross. (Photo courtesy Roma Brenda)

WATERBURY, Nov. 6, 2024 – The Canton High girls volleyball team is continuing their historic run in the CIAC Class S tournament.

The Warriors won their first-ever state tournament match with a 3-1 win over Morgan on Monday. No. 10 Canton (17-7) eliminated No. 7 Holy Cross on Wednesday with a 3-1 decision, 25-23, 19-25, 25-17 and 25-7. The Warriors gave up just 24 points in the final two games combined.

Canton’s Mia Whilby had 27 kills to lead the Warriors while Sophia Mazza had 21 digs and Madisyn Reardon blocking four shots.

“This team has faced so much adversity over the past few seasons, and I’m happy that they are all able to see their hard work pay off,” Canton’s first-year coach Andrew Barnes said. “The girls have such a close family dynamic that keeps them connected and focused in tight games.

“Following the second set loss when we came back into the huddle I knew that they were ready to turn the match around,” he said. “Our offense was really able to open things up for us in the third set paired with some great serving runs, and we were able to come away with a win against a very sound defensive team.”

The Crusaders end their season at 15-8, led by Amanda Hodak with 31 digs and two aces. Caroline Slevinsky had two kills for the Crusaders.

Canton’s season continues as they advance to the Class S quarterfinal where they will tangle with Shoreline Conference champion Valley Regional in Deep River on Friday night beginning at 6 p.m.

No. 2 Valley Regional (21-2) is led by senior Regan Grow, who was recently named the Shoreline Conference volleyball player of the year. Grow had 16 kills and three blocks in Valley’s win over Hale-Ray in the Shoreline Conference’s recent tournament title game.