The Branford volleyball team had its sights set on bouncing back from a difficult 2010 campaign-and behind a collection of athletes who brought a positive attitude that led to strong chemistry, along with solid offensive and defensive play-the Hornets did just that, winning 15 matches to earn its first SCC Oronoque title since 2008, plus berths in both postseason tournaments. And though Coach Eva Esposito-Cogan wanted to see her squad advance further in its playoff brackets, she's quite happy with the fact that Branford volleyball put together one of its best campaigns in recent memory.

"We are very pleased with the way the season turned out. The kids knew they were capable of winning, gained confidence as the season went on, and got our program back into the swing of things by reaching the postseason," said Esposito-Cogan, who was assisted by her sister, Nicole Giangreco, plus Casey Gavigan and Brianna Carfora. "The overall attitude and chemistry of the girls was great as they all committed to playing in the summer and came into the season ready to work hard. We also had a bunch of good hitters who [senior captain setter] Jen Dziura got the ball to and who put it down. Our defense was also a strong point as teams often had trouble putting the down against us."

Dziura was indeed an effective setter who tallied 424 assists and captained the Hornets with outside hitters Chandlar Fowler and Meg Carlson, plus defensive specialist Steph Errante. Fowler recorded 143 kills with 128 digs and 69 aces to not only earn All-Oronoque honors, but also Branford's Most Consistent Offensive Player Award. Carlson posted 99 kills and 76 digs and received the Hornets' Coaches' Award. Errante was the team's co-Most Improved Player.

Esposito-Cogan discussed the impact of all four captains on her team's success this fall.

"Chandlar was our best all-around player who had a tough serve and often hit the ball to spots that made it impossible for the other team to return. We would not have been as successful without her play and competitive fire," Esposito-Cogan said. "Meg did everything we needed her do, whether it was making sure everyone was at practice or organizing pasta dinners, and was a leader who brought a great work ethic to practice everyday. Steph was also a good leader with a great attitude who got kids to play in the summer league and was always cheering from the bench when she wasn't on the floor. Jen also had a great year as our setter by contributing a lot of assists and did a good job of leading on and off the floor with her fellow captains."

Branford also presented a Most Consistent Defensive Player Award to junior defensive specialist Kelly Smith, who had 156 digs with 36 aces, as well as naming junior middle hitter Tara Dering the other recipient of Most Improved Player honors as she recorded a hitting percentage of 94 percent to go with 53 blocks. Smith additionally gained All-Oronoque distinction, as did sophomore outside hitter Anna Atkinson, who logged 142 kills with 98 digs.

"Kelly was our most consistent passer who was tremendous on defense and it's not easy for a defensive player to make all-division, which means the other Oronoque coaches remembered her and our team," Esposito-Cogan said. "Tara didn't even play varsity last year, but became our most consistent offensive hitter who played with a quiet intensity didn't make many errors. Anna really proved herself this year as a very athletic kid who has a good drive about her and always tries her best, which is what you love to see."

Also contributing to the Hornets' prosperity this fall were juniors Meg Wirtz and Brianna Williams (defensive specialist), along with sophomores Lauren Kuhn and Hannah Zampano. Kuhn was presented with the JV team's Coaches' Award and Zampano was that squad's Most Consistent All-Around Player. Freshman setter Ellery Riccio was the JV club's Most Improved Player.