Volleyball Recap: Shelton Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Nicole Zotova and Emmy Reilly + How To Watch

If Shelton was feeling good fresh off their 3-0 takedown of Wilbur Cross on Wednesday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Gaels fell just short of the Sacred Heart Academy Sharks by a score of 3-2 on Friday. The Gaels have struggled against the Sharks recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Shelton wouldn't go down easily and took Sacred Heart Academy into a fifth set but they suffered a heartbreaking four-point loss. The match finished with set scores of 24-26, 25-20, 25-23, 27-29, 15-11.

Emmy Reilly

Digs

09/19/25 vs Sacred Heart Academy	22
09/17/25 vs Wilbur Cross	7
09/16/25 @ Foran	20
09/12/25 @ Lauralton Hall	5
09/10/25 vs Hamden	11
+ 4 more games

Shelton's loss came despite strong showings from Emmy Reilly and Nicole Zotova. Reilly had 22 digs and three blocks, while Zotova had 40 digs. With that strong performance, Reilly is now averaging an impressive 11 digs per game. Avery Wheeler was another key player, getting 19 digs.

Leading Sacred Heart Academy to victory were Bella Spinato and JJ Kirck. Spinato had nine digs and three aces, while Kirck had 37 digs and two assists. Spinato is also on a roll when it comes to assists, as she's now posted 17 or more in each of the last five games she's played.

Shelton's defeat dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Sacred Heart Academy, their victory was their 12th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-0.

Shelton wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 3-2 loss against Guilford on the 22nd. As for Sacred Heart Academy, they have also already played their next game, a 3-0 win against North Haven on the 22nd.