GLENS FALLS — The Southwestern girls volleyball team knew its season would end in Glens Falls in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championship Tournament.
But the best girls sports season in Southwestern school history came to an end sooner than the girls had hoped. The Trojans’ season ended as Class B semifinalists thanks to a dominant 25-19, 25-12, 31-29 victory over Section 4 Lansing on Saturday at Cool Insuring Arena.
“So we were the first girls team from Southwestern to advance to state,” Southwestern head coach Alexis Johnson said of her team. “It was such a big deal for us so we were so honored to go. Our school put on a really great show for us and everyone was so supportive of us. From the moment we found out we were going, we knew this was important.”
After dropping the first two sets and facing elimination, Southwestern decided to play its best volleyball by running a marathon with Lansing in the third set.
“That’s what they were all about,” Johnson said of his team in the final set. “They really wanted to be here and worked so hard that they left everything behind on the court. I know how hard they worked, but it’s infuriating. Losing here, especially on the first day. It hurts, but they’re a great team, so we knew it was possible.”
The Trojans and Bobcats traded blows against each other, forcing both sides to take timeouts in an attempt to save the game. Lansing put Southwestern on the brink of elimination three times, but ultimately shut out Southwestern 31-29 on a 3-point run.
“I think they understood the stakes at hand,” Johnson said of the Trojans’ approach to the third set. “When they turn on, we’re great, but sometimes they can get a little confused. I think they fought to the end because they knew it was their last chance. That’s a lot about them. It shows how much they wanted it and how hard they were going to fight for it.”
Southwestern’s battle in the third set was largely due to its seniors, who were able to finish their careers by going farther than any women’s team in school history. Lauren Cotter finished the game with 15 kills, 2 aces, 6 digs, and 1 block. Jadyn Newhouse had 11 kills and added a block. and McKenna Bogdanowitz made five digs.
“Seniors are going to be hit the hardest,” Johnson said of the season ending. “They fought hard today and throughout the season. I think it’s OK to play a team like that (Lansing), it’s not ideal, but we knew our season was over this weekend. . . . What we’re upset about is not being able to be together every day, but it’s nothing to be upset about than losing to one of the top teams in the state.”
Southwestern’s best set came after its worst set of the season, when it looked like it had no chance against the Bobcats after Game 4. The Trojans gave up a lot of free points in the second set, something the team definitely paid off for in the state championship.
“They were a fast-paced team,” Johnson said of Lansing. “They were a really smart team, so they saw us faltering and took advantage of that in the second set. In the third set, we regrouped a little bit and came together and fought until the end.”
Lansing went on a huge eight-point run early in the second set that set the tone and forced a timeout on Southwestern. A five-point run followed soon after, followed by a four-point run, and the Trojans couldn’t put anything together offensively.
The second set was unusual for the Trojans and ultimately cost them. The first set didn’t go Southwestern’s way, but the Trojans hung on until the end.
Rounding out much of Southwestern’s success on the night was Bela Sirianni, who had 22 assists, one ace, and five digs. And Peyton Swartz added five more digs and an ace.
At this point, losing was too much for the Trojans to bear, but Glens Falls went further than any girls team in school history.
“Lauren, I’ve never seen her cry before,” Johnson added of the senior. “She’s usually a tough person and she’s the biggest joker of anyone I’ve ever met. Jadyn and McKenna, too. It’s hard to see them upset like this. They They gave it everything they had today and gave it their all all season. They love volleyball more than anything in the world and just wanted to have a good last season. I’m glad we were able to give it to them. Because I think coming to America is something that they’ll remember forever. I’m happy to have made it this far, and I know they’re upset in the locker room right now, but that will wear off eventually. , the memory of coming to America will stay with me forever.”
Lansing will play Section III’s Westhill in the Class B state final Sunday afternoon.