Newark volleyball defeats Fulton to capture Wethersfield Sectional championship

Newark volleyball defeated Fulton 25-14, 25-23 on Thursday night to claim the Class 1A Wethersfield Sectional title.

The victory ended a 22-match winning streak for the Steamers. Newark finishes the regular season with a 35-5 record. Fulton concludes its campaign at 32-6. The Steamers recorded their most wins since the 2003 season, when they posted a 33-2-1 mark. Newark last won this sectional title in 2021.

Newark coach PJ McKinney attributed the win to team execution. He noted the presence of three seniors and several returning varsity players. "We were ready for this moment," McKinney said. "I’ve got a lot of leadership on this team." He added that the team had to prepare for Fulton's offensive output and run balls off the block.

Sophomore Zoey Carlson dominated the first set for Newark. Her defensive play created issues for Fulton. Fulton coach Stacy Germann stated the team lacked a solution for the Norsemen's number 17. "She dominated tonight," Germann said. "I think that was our downfall." Germann also observed that Newark moved more effectively on Thursday compared to its match against Orion on Tuesday.

The second set remained competitive until the final points. Fulton held leads of up to five points at one stage. The teams were tied at 17 points before Newark closed the set. Junior libero Cayla Pottinger emphasized the need for minimal errors. "We knew we had to come out strong," Pottinger said. "We had to play our best." Carlson credited the team's strong hitting and improved defense. She noted that the tough Tuesday match helped prepare the squad.

Fulton's Kerby Germann recorded 13 kills and 11 digs. Chloe Wilkin added four kills and two blocks. Brianne Brennan distributed 11 assists. Zoe Kunau served eight assists. Peighton Stretton recorded seven digs. The Steamers will not return to the Brimfield Supersectional. Four players, including Stretton, Kunau, Iris Williams, and Averi Bush, are seniors. Bush expressed confidence in the underclassmen returning next year. "We want the same goal next year," coach Germann said.

Newark advances to face Illini Bluffs at 7 p.m. on Monday. The match is scheduled for the Brimfield Supersectional. A win would send the Norsemen to the state tournament. The team has not reached state since winning consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019. McKinney expressed pride in how the players represented the community. Carlson said the team would push harder in the next game.