The Hall High School girls volleyball team hosted Canton Thursday night in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

Hall vs. Canton girls volleyball. Sept. 25, 2025. Photo credit: Maddie Geraghty

By Maddie Geraghty 

Canton, until then undefeated, faced Hall (4-2) on Thursday at 6 p.m. 

Leading two sets to one, Hall’s girls volleyball team “used their anger as motivation” to win the game in the fourth set, according to MVP of the game, Nybol Bona. This win wasn’t easy coming. Canton fought hard and Canton’s senior captain Mia Whilby made sure this game was close with her consistent kills and strong hits.

Hall’s last-second wins in each set were only possible thanks to Bona (40), a sophomore, and seniors Alison Chen (19), and Riley Scandell (6). Though all players were key factors in the success, these three really pulled it together to end Canton’s regional reign. 

During the first set fans saw some great blocks from Hall player Faith Wada (13) leaving Canton fumbling the ball. When they could make it past Hall’s blocks, Canton produced solid short balls into the campfire – an empty area of the court before the 10-foot line where balls often get lost. This may happen due to poor communication or a defensive breakdown. But toward the end of this set Hall stepped up their game, running strategic plays with short balls and pushes from rightside hitter Natalie James (15), while libero Chen stayed low and relentless and managed to get almost every ball up.

Hall vs. Canton girls volleyball. Sept. 25, 2025. Photo credit: Maddie Geraghty

The strong connection between James and her setter, Reva Shrestha (7), helped keep Hall’s 6-point lead in the last few minutes. Some close calls from the ref and hard work from Canton tied up the score; this left fans questioning who would win this set; but, in the end Hall pulled away to end this match with only a 2-point lead, 25-23. 

Both teams came out blazing in the second set, fueled by determination. Bona proved why she is an essential player in this game, consistently getting up for great kills over and over to keep the score close. Canton managed to slip away with the help of middle #11’s tips on the net. James and Chen were consistent in their defense and held off Canton, while Nybol brought back Hall’s lead. Again, the set ended with a score of 25-23, proving that this was anyone’s game, and the stakes were high. 

Hall vs. Canton girls volleyball. Sept. 25, 2025. Photo credit: Maddie Geraghty

Set No. 3 started out strong. For most of the set, Hall was neck-and-neck with Canton, sitting around a 4-point difference. But a moment of miscommunication – two Hall players going for the same ball – gave Canton the edge to reach 24-19. James’ hits kept Hall fighting, nudging them to 24-20, before Canton finally closed out the set 25-20. This meant entering the fourth set, and if Hall could pull this one, they would win the game. 

Hall vs. Canton girls volleyball. Sept. 25, 2025. Photo credit: Maddie Geraghty

The most intense match yet, set No. 4 was a brutal battle for a win. Powerful hits, tactical shoves, and aces off senior captain Zuri Freeman’s serves helped Hall gain a 20-14 lead. The saves in this game were unlike any these teams have had before; both teams were jumping and diving for any loose balls.

Senior OH Riley Scandell (6) saved the game for Hall. She went on a scoring streak, giving Hall a 24- 21 lead as well as a streak of ups – getting the ball up on defense. Hall was so close to the finish line, but in a close match like this anything could happen. Nybol delivered a decisive spike bringing the score to 25-22 and sealing the game for Hall.

Batting the odds, Hall managed to persevere; lacking a head coach for this game, and up against Canton’s undefeated run they found victory thanks to their determination and hard work. This battle taught Hall resilience and the necessary skills they need to further their now 5-2 record to a possible 13-2 by the end of the season. 

Hall vs. Canton girls volleyball. Sept. 25, 2025. Photo credit: Maddie Geraghty

Hall vs. Canton girls volleyball. Sept. 25, 2025. Photo credit: Maddie Geraghty

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