Farmington High School Girls’ Volleyball Claims 2024 Class L Championship in an Unforgettable Five-Set Thriller
By Jack Beckett, Senior Writer at The Farmington Mercury
Farmington, CT – November 16, 2024 – In one of the most dramatic comebacks in Connecticut high school sports history, the Farmington High School girls’ volleyball team clinched their second straight Class L state championship in East Haven last Saturday. Down two games to none, the defending champions rallied to defeat Bristol Central 3-2, capturing the hearts of the Farmington community and proving, yet again, that they’re the team to beat.
The epic match unfolded in front of an electrified crowd. Bristol Central, led by the powerhouse Lily Kirk, seemed unstoppable after winning the first two sets 25-18 and 26-24. At one point in the fourth set, the Rams were just two points away from securing their first-ever state title, holding a seemingly insurmountable 23-14 lead. But the River Hawks were not about to go down without a fight.
Farmington stormed back, scoring nine of the following ten points, thanks to the formidable attacks of senior Sydnie Smith and the resilient serves of Jamie Zadrozny. With the match tied 24-24, the River Hawks won it 27-25, and from there, the tide had fully turned. Farmington dominated the deciding fifth set, cruising to a 15-4 victory and igniting jubilation among the fans and players alike.
“It’s all about believing and never giving up,” said head coach Laura Arena, clearly emotional after securing her third state championship with the team. “That’s something we always talk about—giving ourselves a chance by keeping the serve in play, staying focused, and not giving up.” Watch the full coach’s interview here.
A Championship Battle of Epic Proportions 🎉
Farmington’s Sydnie Smith, who led the team with 15 kills and six blocks, was pivotal in the comeback. Setter Emily Sousa was a playmaking wizard with 52 assists, consistently setting up opportunities for Smith, Lucy Scudder, and Kiera Wilkes, each of whom delivered crucial points throughout the night.
“We train every day for moments like these,” said Sousa. “Our team chemistry is what got us through those tough stretches. We just trusted each other and kept swinging.” For Smith, the win was all about resilience: “We started swinging at the ball harder, finding the floor, and playing our game. We stayed strong and we fought back.” Check out more insights from the players here.
The fourth game saw Farmington switch gears, upping their aggression. Trailing late, coach Arena made a strategic adjustment that paid off, urging the players to focus on aggressive plays rather than simply keeping the ball in play. The resulting shift in momentum was palpable as Farmington tied the set at 24-24 and eventually secured a 27-25 win—snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done,” added Arena. “This season has been one of the most special I’ve had in my 29 years of coaching. These girls—their commitment, camaraderie, and attitude—make it all worthwhile.”
Farmington Secures Back-to-Back Titles 🏆
The victory marks Farmington’s tenth state championship in girls’ volleyball and their first back-to-back title since they achieved five consecutive championships between 1966 and 1970. Tournament MVP Jamie Zadrozny, who had a game-high 35 digs, was instrumental in the defensive effort that kept Bristol Central’s attacks at bay during the crucial comeback.
Bristol Central, for their part, played an exceptional match, demonstrating tenacity and skill that kept them in contention throughout the game. Kirk, who racked up nine kills in the pivotal fourth set, was a standout for the Rams, leading her team with determination and power. Ultimately, though, it was Farmington’s relentless spirit that prevailed.
Watch Coach Laura Arena break down the match and discuss her strategy here.
Class L Championship Final Score:
- Farmington 3, Bristol Central 2
- Scores: 18-25, 24-26, 25-23, 27-25, 15-4
Voices from the Crowd 🎤
Farmington’s comeback wasn’t just remarkable for the players on the court—it was a thrilling rollercoaster for the fans, who packed the gym and cheered loudly for every point. “I’ve been following this team for years, and this was by far the most incredible match I’ve ever seen,” said Jessica Harper, a Farmington resident and proud volleyball mom. “The energy in the building was off the charts, and when they started that comeback, you could feel everyone believing it could actually happen.”
Another fan, Tom Sullivan, reflected on the significance of the victory. “Farmington has always had a strong volleyball tradition, but to see this group of girls pull off a win like this—it’s something they’ll remember forever. It makes you proud to be part of this community.”
A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsor ❤️
This coverage is brought to you by Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road. Whether you’re looking to store your trophies, holiday decorations, or sports equipment, they’ve got you covered! Give them a call at 860.777.4001 for all your storage needs. Thank you, Farmington Storage, for supporting local journalism and the Farmington community!
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Farmington Sports? 🏐
The River Hawks aren’t done making history yet. With a core of young talent and seasoned leaders, Farmington is looking ahead to next season, eager to defend their title for the third year in a row. “We’re just getting started,” said Jamie Zadrozny. “We’ve got big plans for next year, and we want to keep this momentum going.”
Fans can stay tuned for updates on the team’s offseason activities, upcoming fundraisers, and more by following The Farmington Mercury and our Farmington High School Updates.
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