The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk girls volleyball team continues to build an impressive resume as it prepares for the Section II, Class B playoffs.
The Indians’ latest addition is winning their own tournament last Saturday. They defeated Troy 25-21, 25-20 and Section IV power Maine-Endwell 25-14, 25-16 in the gold division portion of the round-robin tournament to finish the day with a 10-0 record. Bethlehem won the silver division title by beating Colonie and Queensbury.
They didn’t play well in the afternoon, R-C-S coach Ron Racey said of Maine-Endwell, which has been a frequent participant in the state volleyball tournament. `I don’t know if it was the long bus ride catching up to them or what, but they didn’t play well.`
It’s not as if the Indians’ play was a fluke, either. R-C-S (19-0) has been one of the top Section II large school teams this year as it has rolled to the top of the Colonial Council standings with victories over Schalmont, Voorheesville and Holy Names.
`To be on top of your game every night is hard, and that’s what we’ve had to do,` said Racey. `I think they really enjoy playing volleyball. We talked about enjoying the journey this year, and I think they’re really enjoying it.`
The Indians have been led by their three captains, junior Britney Lintner and seniors Kaitlynn Franks and Karlie Haack, as well as by seniors Kaylee Persico and Angel Brown.
`(The seniors) have played together a really long time, and that helps build team chemistry,` said Racey.
The Indians will need more solid play from that group in Sectionals. Racey said the Class B field will be loaded with talented teams, and his team’s undefeated record will likely bring out the best in its opponents.
`(The regular season is) chapter one of the season,` said Racey. `Once we get into Sectionals, it’s one (loss) and you’re out.`
Bethlehem also has high hopes for Sectionals. The Lady Eagles were 9-3 in the Suburban Council entering the final week of the regular season, with two of their losses coming against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and Niskayuna.
`I think we’re playing really well,` said Bethlehem coach Lisa Kniffin. `We’ve noticed some things that we need to shore up before Sectionals because I think we have a good chance to win (the Class AA title) this year.`
Kniffin was glad to give her team a chance to play in the R-C-S Tournament as it prepares for Sectionals.
`We had a good time, it was for a good cause (childhood cancer) and he (Racey) puts together a great tournament,` said Kniffin.“