They have already beaten two of the top teams:Greenwichand Fairfield Warde. Staples Girls Volleyball, or SGVB as they have abbreviated on their shirts, are coming back this year stronger than last.

“We haven’t beatenGreenwichsince I’ve been in the program, so that was a really big win,” said tri-captain Kenzie Roof ’12.

The success of the season thus far and the predicted success of the remainder of the season rests on the chemistry and hard work of the team.

“We’ve been working really hard in practice, the pre-season was very successful, and the girls have come together a lot,” said Head Coach Jonathon Shepro.

Shepro feels that one of the best aspects of the team this year is balance.     “We can really attack you anywhere on the floor: we don’t have one superstar, and we don’t have one weak spot. Whoever is in the front or the back, it doesn’t matter. We’ll always have hitters in the front and passers in the back, no matter who is there,” he said.

 Roof agrees but notes that to beat teams likeDarien, notably the biggest competitor in the FCIAC, Ludlowe,DanburyandNew Canaan, the team has to make sure that the defensive positioning stays strong.

“We have a lot of great hitters like Joosje Grevers, Augie Gradoux-Matt and Anna Fiolek. Jossje, Augie and Danielle Kosinski have also been blocking very well,” she said.

Kate Platt ’13 concurs saying, “We have an extremely powerful front row, but I think to beat these teams, we are going to have to make sure our defense is ready to get everything up.”

Shepro feels another challenge is that there are so many players, so it is hard for everybody to make their mark. He says that players are going to have to have a role and accept that role in how successful they are going to be.

But the captains, Roof, Grevers and Anna Link ’12, have been doing a great job according to numerous players and Coach Shepro.

“The captains are really motivating and strong leaders,” said Lily Rappaport ’13.

The remaining seniors have really stepped up to the plate, too. “The other seniors on the team are right up there with them,” Rappaport continued. “There is no real distinction between them besides the title. They all take leadership roles and help the team in anyway they can.”

Shepro feels the same way, saying that seniors like Gradoux-Matt, Amanda Pacilio ’12 and Kosinski have taken up a leadership role on the team along with the three captains.

There is also fresh talent, such as the only sophomore on the team, Amelia Brackett ’14.

“Amelia has played a lot in our first two games and she is doing amazingly,” said Roof.

SGVB looks like they are headed for a title. And Roof already notices the different spirit on the team. “Last year I think we fell short in that we didn’t feel like we were going to win. We have a lot more confidence and that mentality will be the key part of going into these more challenging games,” she said.