The Staples girls’ varsity volleyball team defeated Stamford in a close match, 3-2, in the Staples gym on Tuesday, Oct. 16. 

The game was dedicated to Rach’ Hope charity, an organization created to honor the life of Rachel Doran. The program raises money to support families with a child in the intensive care unit. 

“This was our annual charity game,” Sophia Alfero ’20 said. “We chose to support Rach’s Hope organization in support of one of our teammates whose family runs it so we wanted to win for a great cause.”

Staples and Stamford were tied 2-2 entering the fifth game. The Wreckers finished the game on a 15-12 scoring run, propelling them to a win and improving their season record to 7-5. 

Staples won the first set, 25-21.  However, the Stamford Knights were able to win the second game with a close score of 23-25.

Jane Van Arsdale ’20 was a key player in the Wreckers victory, making many key kills in the game. 

“Everyone on the court was excited, the bench was exciting and the fans were excited, and the fans were excited,” Captain Van Arsdale said. “On the court we are all each other’s biggest fans and it’s always amazing to witness.”

The match was a back-and-forth competition, with Staples taking the third game 25-20 and Stamford winning the fourth 28-26.

“Our game shows that we never give up and will keep fighting until the very last point,” Aydan Moskowitz ’20 said.

After tough losses to Fairfield Ludlowe and Greenwich, the Wreckers brought a strong effort to bounce back.

“We worked really hard and made sure to keep our energy up on the court and on the bench,” Julia Grimes ’20 said. “We struggled with the tipping by the other team, but made up for it with our hitting.” 

Staples girls’ volleyball looks to play their next match on Monday, Oct. 21 at home against Darien at 4:00.

“Looking at the rest of the season,” Sophia Alfero ’20 said, “our goal of course is to win as many as possible or at least be competitive with some of the top teams in the FCIAC and State.”