Winning Streak For Staples Boys Volleyball Reaches 101

Fresh off their 100th win in a row, the Staples boys volleyball team pushed their astounding streak to 101 triumphs, topping Glastonbury 25-15, 25-19, 25-30, in Class L semi-final action Tuesday.

The win vaulted the four-time defending state champions from Staples into another championship match on Friday against Southington. The contest will be played at Conard High School in West Hartford; time to be announced.

For Staples head coach Bruce Betts, who hasn't witnessed a loss on his watch since 2006, there is no time or reason to celebrate.

“Each season, I tell the guys that they have to earn the success they strive for,” Betts said. “It doesn't matter what the team before them did, each year it's a clean slate. They have to earn every win. As of now, we haven't achieved what we want to this season.”

What the Wreckers are striving for is another state crown and by all indications on Tuesday afternoon, another title is well within striking distance.

No.4 seed Glastonbury (15-5) played with fire, but the Wreckers, extinguished the flame of their counterparts in convincing fashion, rolling to a straight-set sweep.

Quad-captain Mikey Fitzgerald stole the show, recording 11 kills, 16 assists and 13 service points to pace the Wreckers.

“We came out strong, and we came out ready to do whatever it took,” Fitzgerald said. “Now we need to follow this up with a great week of practice to get the job done. We need to work to earn another state championship.”

 Meanwhile, teammate Tom Prendierville smashed a kill to spark a huge game to win for Staples, finishing with a team-best 21 kills, eight service points and four digs.

Setting with precision all evening, Andrew Glenn supplied Staples with 13 digs, seven service points and two assists.

Matt Brill sealed the deal in game three, manufacturing three blocks and five kills in the emphatic Wreckers' triumph.

For Brill and company, however, nothing is set in stone.

“Every time we play, we know we need to out-work our opponent and play together as a group,” Brill said. “Nothing is guaranteed. We need to focus and play strong volleyball, and the rest will take care of itself.”