Coventry volleyball heads to end of season with undefeated record

Erika Trudon warms up before an Oct. 24 game against Bristol Eastern. Photos by Melanie Savage.

Wearing warm-up tees honoring the memory of former coach Matt Hurlock, the Coventry girls’ volleyball team faced a tough opponent the evening of Oct. 24. But the Patriots managed to preserve their undefeated record against Bristol Eastern and come away with another victory.

The Patriots put together a story of triumph over adversity last year, as they came together after long-time coach Hurlock passed away over the summer, at the age of 39, after a battle with cancer. Despite the additional loss of eight seniors to graduation, the Patriots put together an undefeated season for 2011 and captured the Division S state championship under the direction of their new coach, Ryan Giberson. This year, Giberson has coached the team to a season that, as of Oct. 29, has seen them lose only two games and maintain a record of 17-0.

One of those game losses came against Bristol Eastern. Both teams came into the match with undefeated records, and both teams showed precision and skill on the court. But with a final score of 3-1, Coventry put another mark in the win column. The Patriots’ final game of the regular season, against Bolton, was scheduled for Oct. 30 but was likely to be rescheduled due to Hurricane Sandy. Coventry has already beaten Bolton this season, on Oct. 1, with a final score of 3-0. Another victory against Bolton would tie Coventry with Morgan for the top spot in Division S, with a record of 18-0. Coventry holds the top position in the NCCC League.