Bill O’Brien Photo
Madison Donofrio returns a shot for a point as Gillian Basilicato (L) and Abby Atkinson (R) look on
The Branford Lady Hornets gave the defending state champion Cheshire Rams a pretty good run for their money before losing 25 – 13, 25 – 23 and 25 – 22 in a three- out- of five set of matches Monday.
The Hornets played hard and gave it their all.
Co-captain Abby Atkinson spikes one for a point
When a team comes to your house that hasn’t lost in 31 straight games –since the beginning of last season – it can be a little intimidating. Maybe that intimidation lasted through the first game, but the Branford Lady Hornets pushed hard to win in the last two games.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Coach Eva Esposito talks to her team during a time out
Coach Eva Esposito told her team they could win the match if they played smart and gave it their best effort. And the young club responded well. They led deep into the final two games before the Rams rallied and scored the last couple of points to ice their victory.
Co-Captain Victoria Illingworth gets low to set up a pass for the Lady Hornets as Gillian Basilicato watches
Esposito’s club only has two seniors, co-captains Victoria Illingworth and Ellery Riccio. The third captain is junior Abby Atkinson.
The Lady Hornets were led by Riccio who had 21 assists and was 10 for 10 serving with two aces, sophomore Adrienne Digioia who was 13 – 13 serving with two aces and Atkinson who had 12 kills and three digs. Junior Gillian Basilicato chipped in with seven digs.
Branford dropped to 1 – 2. Their next home game will be this coming Friday against Wilbur Cross at Branford.
Jill Howard (21) 0f Cheshire returns a shot at the net as Madison Donofrio defends. Others in picture are Katelyn Morley (#13) and Jillian Haberli (#18) of Cheshire.
Cheshire improved their record to 3 – 0 this year; winning 32 in a row.
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