PHOTOS: Ludlowe Is Runner-Up In Volleyball State Championship

EAST HAVEN, CT — The Falcons made it all the way to the state championship game, but in the end, it was Greenwich that took the title.

The Cardinals cut Saturday’s state volleyball final short, defeating Fairfield Ludlowe and claiming the Class LL championship in just three sets.

The No. 2-ranked Cardinals beat the Falcons, ranked No. 12, with a score of 25-14 in the first set, 25-12 in the second, and 25-17 in the third. The teams faced off in an evening match at East Haven High School.

“We just kept the pressure on them,” Coach Steve Lapham said. “We served well and we passed well.”

Greenwich entered the postseason with a 19-1 record and went on to defeat Bristol Central, Wilton and Darien on the way to the final. Saturday’s win is the team’s first state title since 2017 and its third overall.

“It feels so amazing,” said Adele Sotgiu, who had seven kills Saturday and was awarded most valuable player. “All season we’ve had such good team chemistry.”

Other standout performances included Maggie Saleeby with eight kills, Liana Sarkissian with seven kills and four aces, Sophie Jones with seven kills and three aces, and Lucia Spanjol with 30 assists.

The Cardinals seized the lead from the start Saturday and held onto it, although the Falcons were within two points of Greenwich at one point during the third set. Ludlowe coach Tina Rembish noted it was difficult for the Falcons to recover after falling behind early in the match.

“They were just everywhere on the court,” she said of the Cardinals. “They just didn’t make any mistakes for us to capitalize on tonight.”

Despite the loss, there were some notable moments Saturday for the Falcons. Jane Ransome had six kills and Gabby Price made 12 assists.

“We are a young team,” Rembish said, adding that Ludlowe “gave it their all” and that she expects the Falcons to return to the state final soon. “We know what we have to work on.”