A season marked by continued winning ways and competitiveness, despite injuries to a pair of key players, came to an end for Newtown High School’s girls’ volleyball team on November 9. The No. 6 Nighthawks won their first set but fell to No. 11 and visiting Greenwich 3-1 (21-25, 25-14, 25-14, 25-17) in the Class LL State Tournament’s second round.

“We’ve definitely gone though a lot of adversity. I’m really so proud of our team. We always say ‘next Hawk up.’ Every player is so vital for this team,” said senior captain and Amherst College-bound Zosia Teraskiewicz, who racked up an ace, a dozen kills, and 11 digs in her last high school match.

Senior middle hitter Amaro Beard-Galati and junior outside hitter Gianna Galassi went down with season-ending injuries early on, leaving big voids at the net. Sophomores, including Addy Cordova and Allie Nowacki, had to step into starting and significant action in the front row.

“It was a little scary at first but really fun getting out on the court with everyone,” said Cordova, who had an ace, five kills, and ten digs against Greenwich.

Newtown will graduate setter Gabby Soltis, who recorded an ace and a kill to go along with 31 assists and Liz Anesi who had eight kills, a block, and five digs. Everyone else in the lineup stands to return, including Nowacki, who had two kills and a block; Sara Heinen, who recorded four kills, a block, and a trio of digs; and Sarah Hubner who added four digs. Plus libero Emily Daoust, who had eight digs against GHS, along with contributors Sarah Heinen, Ava Lombardo, Cassie Pickering, Noelle Meadows, and Lauren Murphy. All of these players were a part of the team’s run through the South-West Conference Tournament that saw the Hawks go up two games to none before falling to perennial powerhouse Joel Barlow of Redding in an instant classic.

“We became a lot younger on the court. ... It’s only going to benefit them,” Coach Tom Czaplinski said of the match experience his young players gained throughout the fall.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.