If the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk girls volleyball team wants to be the best in New York, it will truly have to beat the best.
The Class B field at this weekend’s state tournament in Glens Falls features three defending champions after student enrollment numbers forced 2008 Class A champion Hendrick Hudson and 2008 Class C champ Eden to move into the same division as R-C-S and 2008 Class B title-holder John Glenn.
We’ve had the philosophy all year that we will go out and play anybody, said R-C-S coach Ron Racey. `If we beat them, I’m sure they will thank us for a great match. If they beat us, we will thank them for a great match.`
The Indians (24-0) will get a crack at all three teams during Saturday afternoon’s pool play. If they wind up with one of the top two records after the round-robin portion of the tournament, they will play for the state title Sunday at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
`We wanted this so badly at the beginning of the season,` said senior captain Karlie Haack. `Coach Racey asked us at the beginning of the season what our goal was, and it was to go to states. Now that we’re going, we want to win states.`
R-C-S earned its state tournament berth after dispatching Section X champion Franklin Academy of Malone 3-0 in last Saturday’s regional final at Shenendehowa High School. The Indians never let the Huskies into the match as they won by scores of 25-6, 25-8 and 25-15.
`At this level, you’ve got to play at your best every day,` said Racey. `We watched them during warm-ups, and we knew they could serve (well). We had to make sure we played our game.`
Haack led R-C-S with 11 kills and three blocks, while senior captain Kaitlynn Franks contributed 10 kills and eight digs. Junior captain Brittney Lintner added 29 assists to help the Indians reach the state tournament for the first time.
`We always look to take one step at a time,` said Haack. `The first step was to win our league (the Colonial Council), which we did. The second was to win our Section. But to be undefeated this far into the season is pretty incredible.`
Bees swarm Eagles
Bethlehem hoped to join R-C-S at the state tournament, but the Eagles lost to Section III champion Baldwinsville 3-1 in the Class AA regional at Shen.
`They put forth a tremendous effort, so we can’t be too disappointed,` said Bethlehem coach Lisa Kniffin. `Section III always puts tremendous teams together, and they play at a higher level than we usually see all year.`
Baldwinsville (18-2) won the first two games 25-14 and 25-16 before Bethlehem (15-5) rallied for a 25-23 victory in game three. The fourth game was close until the Bees went on a 17-8 run to close out the Eagles with a 25-13 victory.
`I think (winning the third game) was a confidence boost for our kids,` said Kniffin. `They never give up, anyway, but I think it was a confidence boost.`
Christianne Ludwick had 13 kills, and Paula Gadomski added 17 assists for Bethlehem. Lauren McVey recorded 17 kills and five digs for Baldwinsville, which advanced to its second state tournament appearance in the last three years.
Bethlehem made it to regionals after sweeping Ballston Spa 3-0 in last Wednesday’s Sectional final at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. All three games were close, but the Eagles managed to come out on top by scores of 25-20, 25-22 and 25-20.
`It was awesome,` said Kniffin. `We haven’t had (a Section II title) in 20-something years. We made it a goal this year, and it’s great that we achieved that goal.`
Ludwick led Bethlehem with 14 kills, while Gadomski chipped in with 32 assists. Jaci Oskam added the title-clinching points for the Eagles with a kill and an ace in the final game.
Voorheesville’s season ended with a 3-1 loss to Lake George in last Wednesday’s Class C final at Skidmore. The Warriors won the first two games by scores of 25-23 and 26-24. The Blackbirds responded by winning the third game 25-20 before Lake George sealed the match with a 25-18 victory in the fourth and deciding game.
Arielle Smith had 34 digs, 17 service points and eight aces for Voorheesville, which finished with a 17-5 record.“