Darien Volleyball Cruises In FCIAC Playoff Opener

The Darien girls' volleyball team opened its quest for a 10th consecutive FCIAC championship Tuesday with a 25-9, 25-7, 25-12 victory over No. 8 seed New Canaan.

The Blue Wave, who lost just two sets en route to an 18-0 regular season, also are chasing their 10th straight state championship and 16th overall. Darien has won 18 FCIAC crowns.

Tri-captain Mackenzie Begley led the way Tuesday with 25 assists, 20 service points and three aces in a match that lasted only 47 minutes.

Katie Stueber added 13 service points, four aces and two kills, and Emma Getsinger contributed 10 service point, three aces and five kills.

The Blue Wave were never threatened against their archrival,  opening leads of 9-2 and 14-2 in the first two games, respectively.

In Thursday's semifinal at Fairfield Ludlowe, Darien will take on No. 5 seed St. Joseph (15-4) at 7 p.m.. The Cadets posted a 3-2 quarterfinal victory at No. 4 Ridgefield.

New Canaan takes an 11-8 record into the state tournament, which begins next week.