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

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.

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.

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!

10:28 p.m.: The crowd has broken into a “Swertfager” chant. Now that’s appropriate. The coach is closing in on reaching her fourth straight state final.

10:26 p.m.: I just spent 10 minutes standing with a portion of the Hen Hud crowd. Quite a bunch.

The group never seems to stop cheering or singing, including doing a rendition of “I will follow you” from Sister Act. They certainly have been faithful following their team throughout the postseason.

Oh yeah, there is a game going on here. Hen Hud leads 17-7…

10:16 p.m.: The crowd started chanting “new computer, new computer” in honor of my IBM Thinkpad from circa 2001. No arguments here.

10:14 p.m.: Hen Hud wins game one 25-8. The Sailors are one game away from reaching the finals and playing Section 6’s Eden, which moved on earlier.

10:08 p.m.: 17-5 Hen Hud. Just some random thoughts on the Sailors’ crowd. Very, very impressive (And I’m not just writing that because they’ve chanted my name a few times today…).

It’s really great to see such school spirit once again. There are students with their faces, white sailor hats painted with players’ names, and even their chests painted to spell out Hen Hud. There are countless chants and songs that they have been doing. The K’s are hanging for every time Kami Nethersole, a.k.a. the K-Train racks up a kill. And yes, they are very, very loud.

I know this because a huge portion of this rowdy crowd has moved to stand right behind me. I keep hearing comments like you should write this down or did you get that. Honestly, there are too many rituals that this group of fans have come up with to mention though.

So win or lose, Hen Hud’s crowd is definitely victorious in my unofficial state volleyball fan contest.

10:06 p.m.: It’s been a long time, but Hen Hud is finally back in action. The Sailors are playing Section 2’s Ravena and have a 13-4 lead early on.

7:40 p.m.: What a dramatic turn of events from 20 minutes ago. Hen Hud just dominated a demoralized John Glenn team, 25-13 in the second game to win 2-0. The Sailors are now in the driver’s seat with a 2-2 record and having faced their two toughest opponents.

Up next (in who only knows how long), the Sailors will take on Section 2’s Ravena, who lost to Glenn 2-0 in the opening match of this wave of pool play.

I also want to point out two under-the-radar players who have performed well. Taylor Wickel and libero Kristina Pelaccio. Wickel had four kills and a block in this mini-match and Pelaccio had a rare but huge kill in the first game where she tipped the ball over the net that set up game point for the Sailors.

Okay, time to go scrounge for some food. I have a good amount of free time so I might take a little walk… if it’s not raining. Back with more updates later.

7:35 p.m.: Hen Hud has extended its lead to 18-11. Kami Nethersole has nine kills thus far in this mini-match (if that’s not a real term, I’m coining it).

7:30 p.m.: Right on cue, the Sailors have ripped off a 7-0 run to grab an 11-4 lead. Sareeta Nethersole has two kills and an ace thus far in this game.

7:25 p.m.: Hen Hud trails 7-5. The Sailors need to get back to playing that great defense they played down the stretch of game one.

7:20 p.m.: I hate to keep saying wow, but … wow. Hen Hud wins 29-27. The Sailors saved off five set points and now the pressure is on John Glenn. Neither team can afford a 2-0 loss to the hands of anyone other than Eden.

7:18 p.m.: Gut-wrenching is about the only way I can describe this one. Hen Hud leads 28-27 after saving five set points. We’ll see if they can pull this out.

7:10 p.m.: Hen Hud is rallying. Down 21-18, it’s now 21 all. Kami Nethersole just had an incredible block where she hung in the air and then swatted the ball down with her left hand.

7:02 p.m.: I don’t know if it’s a hangover from the Eden mini-match or not, but Hen Hud is struggling. The Sailors trail 14-9 and head coach Diane Swertfager just called timeout.

6:54 p.m.: We’re in the early stages of what will likely be an elimination match between Hen Hud and John Glenn.

6:35 p.m.: Eden wins 25-23. What an amazing two games. Hen Hud may be 0-2 but it proved it can hang with anyone. The Sailors need to regroup now. They have four more games left and they probably need to win all four to reach tomorrow’s final.

6:30 p.m.: We are tied at 23. Once again … wow.

6:25 p.m.: Eden has taken a 23-20 lead.

6:15 p.m.: Sorry for the delay in posting, but the play in this match has been absolutely spellbinding. Eden snuck out a 25-23 win in game one and the two teams are tied at 15 in game two.

Wow. What a match.

Hey everyone,

Just to give you an update, Hen Hud probably won’t play for another hour. Both AA and D went long in the first wave of pool play so we’re way behind schedule here.

The Sailors weren’t scheduled to play in the first time slot either, which is making for a longer wait.

When it does start, Hen Hud will be tested right away. The Sailors will play Section 6’s Eden and then Section 11’s John Glenn.

The teams all just came on the court for the opening ceremonies and let me just say that Eden has a player who might be the tallest girl I’ve ever seen on the high school level. Back with more later.

Westlake won their first game against Lake George 25-12. The Wildcats have clinched a spot in the finals.

Westlake vs. Lake George: Hey everyone, Alex here. I’ve hijacked Casey’s computer momentarily since my prehistoric laptop has decided to make me be the only person in the building without internet access. Guess it maybe time to upgrade from my college computer after all…

Anyway, we’re moments away from Westlake’s final match in pool play. The Wildcats are in great shape at 3-1 and facing a Lake George team that although has a tremendous crowd (they’re from right down the road) hasn’t managed to win a game yet. The Wildcats just need a split to advance to the final. Back with more later.

The Wildcats have a break until the last match of pool play around 2 p.m. I’ll be back then with some updates.

Anyway, we’re moments away from Westlake’s final match in pool play. The Wildcats are in great shape at 3-1 and facing a Lake George team that although has a tremendous crowd (they’re from right down the road) hasn’t managed to win a game yet. The Wildcats just need a split to advance to the final. Back with more later.

The Wildcats have a break until the last match of pool play around 2 p.m. I’ll be back then with some updates.

Westlake vs. East Rockaway (2-0):

12 p.m. – Westlake defeated East Rockaway 25-10 in the second game. That makes the Wildcats 3-1.

11:55 a.m. – The Wildcats are leading 17-8.

11:48 a.m. – Wildcats lead 8-6 after a huge kill by Jillian Dunne.

11:40 a.m. – Game 1 final: Westlake pulls out a 25-21 victory over East Rockaway. Now can they do it again?

11:36 a.m. – The Wildcats have a 21-17 lead but East Rockaway has the serve.

11:27 a.m. – Westlake battled back and has a 12-8 lead over East Rockaway. It’s anybody’s game.

11:21 a.m. – Westlake is keeping pace with the Rocks. It’s a 5-5 game right now.

East Rockaway blew Lake George away first round. Let’s see if Westlake can give them some trouble. It’s 4-1 over on court 2.

Game 2 update: Westlake just dropped a 25-16 game.

The Wildcats are playing great but cannot seem to get a hold on the lead. They are down 21-16 right now. Their players are doing great. Michelle Klimas is on fire. Jillian Dunne, Jackie Nannariello and Nicole Petrillo all are on their top game. With Eden out of the way, Westlake could have a good chance of making a run at states but they need to keep their play and their confidence up.

They play East Rockaway next. They are really good and the Wildcats are going to need to recover and not get down to outlast them.

Game 1 update: Westlake pulled out the first game 25-22.

Westlake had a 24-20 lead but Salamanca was serving. They were making a comeback for sure. It was 24-21 and If Salamanca could have kept the serve this game could’ve gone over.

Game 2 is sure to be a heated battle.

Hey guys, Alex is having a little trouble with his internet so I’m going to try and keep you updated on Westlake and Salamanca for now.

I will be travelling up to Glens Falls in a bit for coverage of the state volleyball final four. Casey will be coming too and we will have everything you want to know about the happenings at the Glens Falls Civic Center right here.

I had a preview of the final weekend of the high school volleyball season in today’s paper. Check it out for more info.

In the meantime, a reminder of the schedule. Westlake (Class C) and Haldane (Class D) will begin play in the early wave of pool play that will get under way at 9 a.m. Hen Hud (Class B) will begin playing in the afternoon wave that begins at 3:30 p.m.

Okay, time to pack and hit the road. If you’re coming make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes. You may be inside, but the civic center is the coldest building on earth. It’s science…

Once again, if you’re not making the voyage north, we will have updates and wrapups throughout the weekend. So keep it tuned here!

For the Gameday Central Gameface of the Week that is.

Volleyball is represented by Suffern’s Josheph Albarelli.  I don’t exactly know what he’s doing but it looks like a mix between getting out of the way and posing for a spread in Vogue magazine.

And while you’re out there voting, chime in with your thoughts on regionals and upcoming states. It’s amazing to think I’m going to go five full days without seeing any volleyball, but in the meantime, we can still talk about it!

It was another successful day for Section 1 with two more teams advancing to the state final four. For a second straight year and for my second year covering h.s. volleyball, the section will have three teams at Glen Falls competing for a state title.  I guess I’m a pretty good luck charm… 

Let me know how you think things will play out. Back with more later!

Game 4 update: Cornwall took a thrilling fourth game, 25-23. The Dragons won the match 3-1 and they will move onto the state final four at Glens Falls next weekend. 

Game 3 update: Fox Lane has some life in it after all. The Foxes won game three 25-20 and are now down 2-1 in the match. 

Game 2 update: Things do not look good for Fox Lane. Corwall cruised to a 25-11 win in game two and now holds a commanding 2-0 lead. The Dragons won the final nine points of the set. 

Game 1 update:  Fox Lane just dropped the first game 25-22. The Foxes had rallied to take a lead, but the Dragons responded with five straight points to end it. Fox Lane definitely has its hands full with Cornwalls’ Alex Gagliano, who is dominating play in the middle.

This match just got underway. I’ll be here to provide updates after every game. Back in a bit!