GLENS FALLS — Going into Saturday’s Chautauqua Lake state semifinal matchup with Candor, there was a lot of doubt as to whether the Thunderbirds would play on Sunday.
The Thunderbirds survived their Round 4 opponent and advanced to Sunday’s Round 2 game against Lake George.
Unlike the semifinals, there was no question whether Chautauqua Lake would win the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D Volleyball Championship. The Thunderbirds dominated from start to finish, winning their first volleyball championship with a 25-17, 25-13, 25-20 victory over Lake George at Cool Insuring Arena.
“I’ve never been more proud of our kids,” Chautauqua Lake head coach Joanne Meadows said. “It’s so great to be back here and not only be back here with this young group of kids, but for them to step up as much as they have.” It was great that we were able to maintain that momentum today and win this match.”
Chautauqua Lake entered the semifinals with a little too much momentum, but it ultimately cost them and the Thunderbirds were forced into a 2-0 hole by Candor. Chautauqua Lake had to keep its emotions in check after the previous night’s rally.
“I think they saw what happens when you play that much better,” Meadows said of making it to the finals. “We’ve been saying all year, we’re still young, we have to control our emotions a little bit, because they’re little kids. That wasn’t the case yesterday. The start looked great. But it wasn’t sustainable. They saw what happens when we step out of ourselves a little bit.”
It was clear from the start that the Thunderbirds were locked in and ready to play in Sunday’s title game. Chautauqua Lake took control right out of the gate, taking the lead when Lake George called a timeout and chasing it all the way to the end of the set.
Chautauqua Lake finished the first set with a five-point run and carried that momentum into the best set of the tournament, dominating the Warriors 25-13 and coming within one win of the championship.
Leading the way were seniors who had waited throughout their careers to reach this stage. Eva Olsson had 9 kills, 2 aces, 14 digs, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in the final, earning her the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award, while Bryn Engdahl had 6 kills, 1 ace, and 6 digs, including the winner. He made it into the first team. Bre Smith added five kills and four blocks.
“This is a dream come true,” Engdahl said. “I’ve been working hard since about fourth grade, and it’s really great to get the win and secure the bag.”
“I’m so grateful to be able to work with these guys,” Smith added. “They have become my family over the years and I couldn’t ask for a better team.”
Lake George tried its best in the final set, but there was no chance of a comeback as Chautauqua Lake was backed into a corner. The Thunderbirds started pulling away with a five-point run to go up 23-16 and close to winning the game.
The Warriors made a final push, but it all came to an end when Engdahl scored the winning goal and her teammates rushed onto the court to celebrate the school’s first volleyball championship.
“Honestly, I’m speechless,” Olson said. “I can’t even explain it. I’m literally shaking and there are so many emotions coming through me. I was happy and sad about the last game, but overall it was a great way to end it.”
After falling just short of state the past few seasons with veteran teams, a gritty Chautauqua Lake squad with support from middle school, underclassmen and seniors won the Class D state championship.
“I’m very happy because no one expected it,” Olson said. “We lost a few games going into the season, but no one in a million years thought we’d make it this far and be here. We had a lot of comebacks in some games. Our effort. It all paid off and I’m so proud of our juniors for stepping up.”
Eighth-grader Nori Paddock made the tournament’s first team with three digs and six blocks in the final, while freshman Callaghan Fairbank had two kills, three aces, three digs, 16 assists, and two blocks. It shined. Sophomore Janine Group had four kills. Freshman Makenna Smith had eight digs. 7th grader Alice Scarpine dug her 22 holes.
“We’re never just focused on one team,” Meadows said. “We want this to be a program, so in 10 years we still want them to feel like they’re a part of it. It’s great that that future is here with them. I told them (the seniors) what’s going to make us great this year is how you guys bring these little kids, and Bryn, Bre, and Eva are exactly what I want them to do. He did what I asked him to do.”
While the future is bright for the Thunderbirds, the seniors leave with a state title that the class above them eluded, but they helped lay the foundation for this championship.
“This means a lot to them as well,” Engdahl said. “They’ve been cheering us on from the sidelines, and it’s really great to see their support. It’s really great to be able to finally get a win after so many years this year. It’s amazing and unbelievable.”
“Not just with this team, but the last few years as well,” Bre Smith added.