The Lady Lawmen girls volleyball team advances to the Southern Connecticut Conference Tournament this week to defend last year's championship.
After losing the first two of a five-game lineup, the Lady Lawmen shocked their opponents and the audience last week by winning the last three games of their final regular season matchup against powerful rival Sacred Heart Academy.
As the two teams struggled for points and position, the Jonathan Law High School gymnasium rumbled like an earthquake.
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For Jonathan Law, Jackie Kochiss had 10 digs and 36 assists; Meaghan Abbott had 9 kills and 19 digs; Caitlin Stapleton had 20 kills, 11 blocks and 5 digs; Amanda Keator had 15 digs and 6 kills; Alexis Lagase-Libero had 21 digs; Jessika Zabala had 13 digs; and Tiffany Nantel had 2 kills and 2 digs.
After the Lady Lawmen won the third game, the excited crowd cheered. It appeared there was absolutely no doubt in the minds of the players and the audience that the Lady Lawmen could win the next two games and defeat their opponents.
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"We do this all the time," said Jonathan Law Head Coach Stacy Loch. "We start off struggling, then end up pulling through. I'm so proud of what my team was able to accomplish tonight."
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After the game, Loch fielded a few questions from Patch.com's Mike Fensore.
Mike: When did you begin your coaching career at Jonathan Law High School?
Coach Loch: I started off as the assistant coach in 2005, then became the head coach the following year.
Mike: What has the journey been like from then until now?
Coach Loch: I'd say it's been pretty consistent. My first year, we won our division and made it all the way to the state semifinals. My second year, we won our division, but lost in the state tournament. My third year was the same as the second. And last year, we made it all the way to the state semifinals and lost, but we won our division and the SCC tournament.
Mike: Overall, how would you say the Jonathan Law community has treated you?
Coach Loch: Very well; they're very supportive of me as a coach. Our games draw a lot of fans, mostly parents and football players, and I'm very thankful for that.
Mike: Are you surprised by your team's success this year?
Coach Loch: Not at all! These girls are extremely talented athletes.
Mike: How would you describe your game strategy?
Coach Loch: Well, first, I examine our weaknesses and do my best to combat them. Next, I examine our opponent's weaknesses and do my best to take advantage them. If we make errors, we try hard to brush them off and move forward.
Mike: Who are your key players and how would you describe them?
Coach Loch: First, Meaghan Abbott. She has the most hustle, drive and motivation. She also has the ability to do very well in every game and continue into college. Second, Caitlin Stapleton. She does very well offensively, sees the court very well, and knows where to put the ball. She plans to play for Fairfield University next year.
Mike: Who are your arch rivals and how do you feel about them?
Coach Loch: Foran, they know how to hustle and they have an amazing setter. Also, Cheshire, at their worst, they still know exactly what to do when they play against us.
Mike: What are your predictions for the post-season?
Coach Loch: We undoubtedly have one of the best teams in the state; therefore, as long as we stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset, we should do very well.
