Learning from the loss; Newington game serves as a measuring stick

By John Goralski Sports Writer Trailing by four points in the final game of the series, Coach Lou Gianacopolos signaled for his second timeout. His volleyball team gathered on the court, but Gianacopolos slumped into his chair with the rest of his coaches. The boys were left to talk amongst themselves. Gianacopolos wasn’t giving up on his team. He wasn’t panicked by his team’s predicament despite an early 2-0 lead. Sure, his team might drop from the unbeaten ranks, but Gianacopolos has never been focused on undefeated seasons. He was looking for leadership and watching his young team grow up on the court. “This showed me that our guys are still young,” said the coach. “Even though they are competing at a high varsity level, I still have to remember that this is their first time on this big stage. Last year they had the ability to be subbed out. This year, they are the guys…I think they are going to do well.” Southington never regained the lead. Newington managed to hold onto the four point lead to clinch the best-of-five series. The Knights dropped to 6-1 with their first loss of the season, but Gianacopolos saw the leadership and [...]