Hey bloggers!

I just wanted to post an update I received the other day. The Sailors took first palce at the Minisink Valley Tournament, defeating Cornwall 25-16, 25-20 in the final.They defeated John Jay in the quarterfinals and Fox Lane in the semifinals.

This is the third year in a row the Sailors have won the tournament.

Some player highlights:

Jackie Tamburri had 114 assists for the day, along with seven kills, seven blocks and 11 digs.

Sareeta Nethersole, who stepped into the middle hitter position had 27 kills, 17 blocks and eight digs. Taylor Wickle had 26 kills and 19 digs.

Update on some graduates:

Kami Nethersole is the Rookie of the Week at Hartford.

Ragin Jackson is starting at Bucknell and Michelle Jacobson is starting at SUNY New Paltz.

That’s all for now!

Hey bloggers!

Long time no talk! I missed you over here at the volleyball blog while I was moonlighting on girls track this spring.

Things are a bit hectic here at the paper but the volleyball preview will be out this weekend. It’s a little smaller than usual but it’s still got some great stuff in it and I hope you will all still be active on the blog and I’ll try to get as much stuff on here as possible.

Casey

Hey bloggers,

Here’s a link to an article my colleague Harold Gutmann on a possible league realignment that could take place starting next school year.

Section 1 realignment

Check it out,

Casey

I’m amazed to be writing this right now, but this is the last time I will post on this blog.

Earlier this morning, myself and some other esteemed colleagues were informed we were being laid off. For weeks we were told there were going to be huge cuts, but I guess I was naive in thinking it wouldn’t be me.

Anyway, thanks for all the support during the year. I will miss covering volleyball as well as high school sports in general. I would write more, but the news is still sinking in as you can imagine.

Also, stay tuned for the all-star sections which are coming out on the 12th, which will be the last thing published with my byline. If you disagree with any of the selections (I hope note, but you never know), that’s too bad because contacting me probably won’t help.

Good luck in the future to all and take care,

Alex Myers

My apologies for not posting this sooner, but here are the all-section team selections for the boys:
Clarkstown North    Stephen Shilale
Clarkstown South    David Zack
Clarkstown South    Sam Adler
Clarkstown South    John Mapelli
Suffern    Oliver Svoboda
Suffern    Chris Konkowski
Suffern    Mike Cody

Honorable mention:

Suffern    Josh Housman

Congrats again to Suffern on a fantastic season. And something tells there will be a lot more names on this list next year when there are hopefully more teams in the section.

Hey guys,

Here’s the Super 70 list. If there is an * the player was also named All-section.

Rebecca Aarons*, Suffern

Nicole Accurso, Blind Brook

Kara Brennan*, Ursuline

Rina Calamarino, Haldane

Nicole Carbone, Hen Hud

Meagan Carley, Tappan Zee

Jessica Chattin, Arlington

Danielle Corde*, North Salem

Cat Darling, Clarkstown North

Parisa Dore*, Pelham

Caroline Dowdle, Dobbs Ferry

Alyssa Downs*, Fox Lane

Jillian Dunne*, Westlake

Leanne Feeney*, Ketcham

Gillian Felix*, Mahopac

Elissa Goldner, Ursuline

Margo Hackett*, Pawling

Lauren Hayes, Yorktown

Kerry Horan*, Croton-Harmon

Jenna Hrycyk*, Suffern

Irina Impellittiere*, Haldane

Ragin Jackson*, Hen Hud

Michelle Jacobson*, Hen Hud

Tori Jarosz*, Lakeland

Kerry Johnson*, Lakeland

Nicoel Kellogg*, Ketcham

Emily Kikuaka*, Keio

Michelle Klimas*, Westlake

Cathy Kulick*, John Jay

Christen Lazarcheck*, John Jay

Anatasia Manes*, Croton-Harmon

Sarah Marshall*, Fox Lane

Yuka Matsuzawa*, Keio

Katie McNenny*, Pelham

Theresa Miller, Albertus Magnus

Ivana Monserrate*, Ardsley

Jackie Morgen, Harrison

Delia Murray, Byram Hills

Jackie Nannariello, Westlake

Kami Nethersole*, Hen Hud

Sareeta Nethersole*, Hen Hud

Karly O’Brien*,North Rockland

Jessica Occhipinti, Croton-Harmon

Gina O’Neil*, Panas

Crystal Orlik, Arlington

Jin Park*, Clarkstown South

Kristina Perri*, Panas

Keri Perrotto*, North Rockland

Nicole Petrillo*, Westlake

Olivia Reeves*, Arlington

Lorna Reimers, Rye Neck

Cristina Ruballos, North Rockland

Nora Rugova*, Fox Lane

Brianne Santa-Donato, White Plains

Kelly Scanlon*, Byram Hills

Julia Rose Schmid*, Ardsley

Kristin Schmidt*, Suffern

Trenna Seney, Tuckahoe

Emma Sheeran*, John Jay

Megan Sieber*, Mahopac

Bianca Soliz*, White Plains

Rebecca Sutherland, Sleepy Hollow

Jackie Tamburri*, Hen Hud

Kara Tancredi*, Beacon

Sammi Tannor, Byram Hills

Falyn Torelli*, Pelham

Tami Lee Webb*, Ardsley

Katrina Wilhelm*, Fox Lane

Avery Zuvic*, Haldane

Honorable Mention:

Gina Carlone, Clarkstown South

Rebecca Choron, Rye

Tayla Gardner, Tappan Zee

Tara Hanley, Brewster

Sarah Hansen, Horace Greeley

Samantha Horton, Westlake

Adriana Maffei, White Plains

Amber Mayfield, Nanuet

Celia Muoser, Dobbs Ferry

Kristina Nilaj, Yonkers

Nicole Nwaru, New Rochelle

Gaelle Ronin, Irvington

Chelsea Souter, Pawling

Kelli Vanderwalker, Putnam Valley

Claudia Villaneuva, Saunders

Tiffany Vilorio, Gorton

Abby Wang, Edgemont

Kate Westervelt, Clarkstown North

Holly Whiston, Haldane

I still can’t get over the final yesterday between Hen Hud and Section 6’s Eden. It’s one thing to see two evenly-matched teams square off, but when they are the two best teams in the state, it takes things to another level.

Thanks to Casey for doing such a great job updating the blog as I watched this epic match unfold, while trying to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. I’ve been prone to exaggerate in the past, but I really think this was the best and most thrilling high school event (that’s all sports) I’ve seen in my four years working at The Journal News.

The great atmosphere, including a tremendous Hen Hud crowd, only added to the overall experience. It’s clear by the reactions from the players and coaches, as well as those in the stands, that this is a day that will probably never be forgotten by those in attendance.

Congratulations to Hen Hud, as well as to Westlake and Haldane for making it back to the state final four. Back with more later.

Jackie Tamburri, Kami Nethersole, and Ragin Jackson were all named to the all-state all tournament team.

GO SAILORS!

4:45 p.m. – AND THE SAILORS WIN 27-25 IN THE FIFTH AND FINAL GAME TO CLAIM THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN FIVE GAMES.

4:44 p.m. – 26-25 Hen Hud.

4:43 p.m. – Eden serves match point but Hen Hud ties it at 25-25.

4:42 p.m. – 24-24…there are no words.

4:41 p.m. – It’s 24-23….

4:40 p.m. – The Sailors have their first match point. It’s 24-21 and they give the serve back to Eden on an out serve. Can the Sailors side out for the win?

4:39 p.m. – Sailors up 23-21. The anxiety continues.

4:38 p.m. – Hen Hud has taken the lead 22-21. Alex and I are on the edge of our seats with anticipation. Eden called timeout but I don’t think they will be able to shake Michelle Jacobson’s serve.

4:37 p.m. – The Sailors tie the game at 20-20. Can they close it out now????

4:35 p.m. – Hen Hud is down 19-16. Smith is out for Eden so they have the opportunity to take advantage and overcome the deficient.

4:30 p.m. – The Sailors tied the game at 10-10 but Eden is up 12-10 now. The Hen Hud blockers are doing amazing job at the net but Eden is picking up everything. It’s now 13-10 and the teams are switching sides.

4:25 p.m. – Eden has a 9-6 lead but the Sailors are fighting the best they can.

4:20 p.m. – The Sailors are down 2-1 but have the serve for the first time.

4:15 p.m. – The Eden comeback continues 24-20. The Sailors just need a sideout to force a fifth game. And they get it off a kill by the K-train. 25-20 is the fourth game final.

4:13 p.m. – Eden started a comeback but Hen Hud is still up 23-18. Eden’s serve.

4:10 p.m. – 21-13… Eden calls a time out.

4:07 p.m. – The Sailors now lead 18-10. This game is completely theirs. If the Sailors pull off this game, will they be able to close out the match in game five?

4:04 p.m. – Hen Hud is up 13-8.

4:03 p.m. – The Sailors have taken a 10-7 lead.

4 p.m. – The Sailors are tied 2-2 with Eden in game 3.

3:54 p.m. – Eden takes the second game 25-17.

3:53 p.m. – Eden loses their game point. Sailors serve, 24-17.

3:50 p.m. – Hen Hud has won the serve back but they are still down 19-13.

3:46 p.m. – Sailors trail by four, 15-11.

3:42 p.m. – Hen Hud has fallen behind 10-7. Coach Swertfager has called a time out; let’s see if the Sailors can shake Eden’s confidence.

3:40 p.m. – Sailors are still up 7-6, but Eden has the serve.

3:37 p.m. – The Sailors are up 4-2 after an impressive rally ending in a point for Hen Hud.

3:31 p.m. – The Sailors prove why they deserve to be here, pulling out the second game 25-23. The last point came off a kill from the K-train.

Hen Hud fans are crazy in the stands. They are cheering and singing and generally keeping the energy levels high here at the Civic Center.

3:27 p.m. – Hen Hud got the serve back at 22-20 after Eden’s server stepped on the line and lost the point. (Alex is proud to say he saw it first). But the Sailors lost the serve quickly. It’s now 23-22, Sailors up.

3:25 p.m. – The game is tied 19-19. The teams have been inching forward point for point for a while now. Hen Hud just went up 20-19.

3:21p.m. – As is the nature of volleyball, Eden is back in the game down by only two at 16-14 with the serve.

3:20 p.m. – The Sailors are up 16-10 right now and are kicking some serious Eden butt. However, their tall girl, Smith is back.

3:15 p.m. – Jackson and Wickel are owning the net, blocking everything that comes their way. It’s 11-5 and Eden doesn’t know what to do.

3:14 p.m. – The Sailors take the lead 8-5.

3:13 p.m. – Hen Hud ties the game 5-5 with a block by Jackson and Taylor Wickel.

3:08 p.m. – The Sailors came out fighting. A big kills by Kami Nethersole gives the Sailors a 1-0 lead.

3:04 p.m. – Hen Hud drops the first game 25-15. They are going to need to play a lot better to beat Eden.

3:01 p.m. - Ragin Jackson just had a huge block against Stacey Smith, who towers at the net. It’s 21-14.

3 p.m. – The Sailors are putting up a valiant fight but are still down 18-12.

2:54 p.m. – Hen Hud is now down 12-7. I was almost hit by a rocket off a Eden hit but survived. It’s 12-8 after a big block by Sareeta Nethersole.

2:51 p.m. – The Sailors are down 8-4 but they are definitely in this game. Hen Hud and Eden are going hit for hit.

2:45 p.m. – Alright warm ups are done, both Alex and I are in one piece, as are our laptops (mine took a nosedive yesterday thanks to Eden). Match is about to start. I have only one question…. Can you dig it?

2:41 p.m. – Eden is warming up and Alex just saved my life or at least my face from an oncoming volleyball off an Eden hit. Scary.

Opening ceremonies just finished and warm ups are starting. Hen Hud looks excited.

Hey guys,

Hen Hud is going to start as soon as the Class AA game ends on court one. I’ll keep you updated throughout the match.

Westlake won the Good Sportsmanship Award – which goes to the team who has shown the best sportsmanship throughout the weekend.

Nicole Petrillo and Michelle Klimas were named to the all-tournament team. Well deserved from both girls who did great this season.

1:27 p.m. – 25-17 third game final. Salamanca are the new state champions and Westlake again the state runner up. Don’t discredit the Wildcats however, it’s been an incredible season.

1:25 p.m. – Things aren’t looking good here at the Civic Center. The Wildcats are down 20-15 and haven’t been able to find their momentum at all.

1:20 p.m. – The Wildcats are down 15-9. They are costing themselves a lot of points by in the net calls. They need to stay out of the net and get their offense running strong to be able to stay in this game and extend the match.

Dunne just served an ace. 15-10.

1:15 p.m. – THe game is tied 6-6 right now but the momentum is definitely going in Salamanca’s direction. Make that  7-6 Warriors lead.

1:10 p.m. – The Wildcats are out to a 3-1 lead in game 3.

1:06 p.m.  – Westlake drops another game 25-21. It’s now or never for the Wildcats.

1:05 p.m. – Horrible call by the ref on a ball that was clearly in gives the Warriors a 23- 20 lead.

1:01 p.m. - Salamanca took the lead 19-17 after a tip call gave them the serve and switched the momentum of the game.

12:58 p.m. – What a beautiful play by the Wildcats. An amazing dig by Samantha Horton allowed Nicole Petrillo to set up Klimas who spiked the ball straight to the ground for the point. It’s 17-14.

12:55 p.m. – Wilcars are up 12-8 right now. They’ve done a great job of keeping the lead. The Warriors brought the game within one at 8-7 but the Wildcats were able to fend them off.

12:50 p.m. – This looks like a different Wildcats team out here. They are up 6-2 and playing with much more intensity than the first game.

12:46 p.m. – Game two is on and already the rallies are beginning. The opening point went to Westlake. They are up 2-0.

12:42 p.m. – The Wildcats drop the first game 25-15 but still look to be motivated and ready to play. Let’s cross our fingers that they make a big come back in game 2.

12:38 p.m. – The Warriors have gone on an absolute tear breaking the game open at 20-10. The Wildcats have had a lot of in the net calls and  seem to be losing momentum. Dunne is actively talking on the court to keep her teams spirits up and it just might be working. Wildcats won the serve back it’s 20-11.

12:35 p.m. – The Wildcats are still down 12-9 but they seem to have tightened up their game. Michelle Klimas is having a big day all around and Jillian Dunne just had a surprise dump over the net to give the Wildcats the serve and a 12-10 game.

12:30 p.m. – Westlake is down 6-3. Salamanca is all over the court, picking up whatever the Wildcats can throw their way. Westlake’s going to need to get a little creative.

12:25 p.m. – Game started. Salamanca has the first point. 1-0.

Hey guys

Alex and I are back here at the Civic Center and the opening ceremonies for the Class AA and Class C games are going on right now.

Westlake will be facing off against Section 6’s Salamanca. I’ll be back after the anthem.

Okay guys, warm ups are about to start. Westlake and Salamanca split in pool play yesterday so it should be an interesting match up today. The Wildcats look ready to go.

11:14 p.m.: The party is over. Here at the Glens Falls Civic Center at least.

It was a long, but very exciting day, highlighted by Hen Hud’s dramatic win over John Glenn that spurred them onto the finals.

Still, such an extended day (I got here just after 9 a.m.) makes you wonder if pool play really is the way to go. No other sport does it and you end up eliminating two teams anyway just like having two semifinal matches would.

Regardless, today reminded me of the time I spent even longer here for state basketball a few years ago. Like today with my internet fiasco, there was a big problem early on that didn’t exactly get me off on the right foot.

That day, while covering a 9 a.m. Peekskill game, a basketball hit TJN columnist Rick Carpinello’s cup of coffee and it splattered all over me in my dress shirt. Fortunately, it wasn’t still hot, but I did sit there soaked in coffee for the next couple hours until the legend that is Kevin Devaney heard what happened, went out, and got me a shirt from the Gap (I think he’s still jealous of it now when I wear it though…).

News 12 got the whole thing on tape and showed it to everyone on press row as the day went on. What will happen to me here tomorrow? Only time will tell. Back with you then for updates on Westlake at 12 p.m. and Hen Hud at 2 p.m. Goodnight!