first volleyball thoughts

I've seen a couple of CCC North volleyball teams this week and I can say this should be an exciting race this season.
It was hard for me to gauge Southington's talent against a struggling Wethersfield team, but the Knights look solid. I love Liz Piper's play, both for her leadership and talent.
Glastonbury and New Britain played one of those matches that make me excited to get to cover sports. Both teams, flawed but very good, left what they had on the court, diving after balls, making great shots and better saves and putting together many thrilling rallies. I only wish more fans had been there.
While the Tomahawks looked like the better team and came out on top in three close games, I will say New Britain has a lot of talent and some fun players to watch.
Cassandra Bell is a fan and coach's dream. She's a true leader on the floor, plays with a smile, does not seem to get down on herself after a bad play, shows intensity and energy after big plays and is a very good player on top of it.
Bell has a knack for making the most out of the least. In other words, she can take a mediocre set and still find a way to contort her body and get a good deep hit on it. It's tough to rate that as a skill.
Meanwhile, sisters Athalia and Chantaul Smith are intimidating at the net and it seems like they barely have to swing to hit the ball through somebody. Kelsey Newberg has a very good flat serve and as this team matures they should be tough to beat.