On the evening of June 4, 2013, the Staples volleyball team trounced their opponents, the Ridgefield Tigers. Staples won all three games, with scores of 25-18, 25-22, and 25-13.
Key players included Lucas Carstens ’13, who finished with 10 kills and nine service points, Lucas Grevers ’14, who had 16 service points, and Harry Hlawitschka ’13, who added seven digs, 15 service points and 28 assists.
For middle Grayson Weir ’14, this lopsided victory came as a bit of a surprise.
“I didn’t expect to win. It is very tough to beat a team three times in a season. They knew our offense, and wanted revenge. However… I had confidence in our starters and especially the seniors to get it done. And they did,” he said.
This victory was especially important after the passing of Ali Mirza ’11, a Staples graduate and former member of the volleyball team, who passed away in late May. Several players on the current team had played with Mirza.
“Winning it for Ali means so much more for the program than just a banner in the gym,” Connor Hardy ’14 said.
Weir added, “This postseason, we have been playing with Ali Mirza represented on our uniforms… Ali never had the chance to win a State Championship, so every player on this team, our seniors especially, are playing with him in our hearts.”
Staples moves on to the championship, where they will face the one-seed Glastonbury. For Staples, it is championship or bust.
“If the starting six comes out with energy, enthusiasm, and swagger, there is no doubt in my mind we can play with any team in the state and take them down,” Weir said.
