Johnstown, NY – Two of the top teams in the Mountain Valley Conference met on the FM hardwood on Wednesday evening. The second-place Herkimer Generals met the third-place Lady Raiders in a match that saw a lot of very good volleyball.
The Raiders led at key times in the first two sets, but the Generals moved out ahead and won all three sets and the match. The scores were 25-21, 25-20, and 25-19.
Photo: Liz Hayward puts FM ahead 16-13
FM's women played Herkimer on even terms for most of the first set. A block by Sarah Wyzomirski gave FM a 7-5 lead. Soon both teams were playing very well. In fact, they were producing the best volleyball that had been played in the Raiders Den all season.
The Lady Raiders won a long rally and led 12-9. Elizabeth and Caitlyn Hayward made some great digs. An ace by Whitney Ostrander gave the home team a 15-12 lead. Emily Robinson's placement shot put FM ahead 17-13, but the Generals soon tied the set, then took a 19-18 lead. The score stayed close, and Ostrander's kill brought FM within one point at 22-21, but Herkimer won the next four points and the set.
Photo: Whitney Ostrander's block scores a point; Taylor Wetsky adds to the play
The second set saw FM lead 10-8 when Ostrander delivered another kill. The set was tied again at 12-12, and was almost tied at 19-18, but the Generals won five straight points. The final score was 25-20.
Herkimer won the third set more easily. The Generals led 23-14, then held off a late Raiders' attack to win 25-19.
During a brief pre-game ceremony, Athletic Director Kevin Jones made a statement honoring the seniors: "Before tonight's match Coach Salvione would like to recognize five sophomores who will be playing in the Raiders Den for the last time. This group of young ladies has been outstanding on and off the court. They were a big part of the reason the team was recognized by the NJCAA as an all-academic team with a GPA of 3.15. They close the season with hopes of qualifying for the conference and regional tournaments." (See photo at the bottom of this column.)
The Raiders' next outing will be on Saturday, October 19 for a pod event at SUNY Adirondack. FM is scheduled to play Columbia-Greene at 11:00 a.m., followed by matches with Mohawk Valley and Adirondack.
Click here for a video of Whitney placing a scoring shot.
Click here to see Taylor and Sarah win a point with a block.
Click here for a Whitney kill.
C.J. Bonny, website writer
Conference Standings and Records
Adirondack 6-0
Herkimer 4-1
Fulton-Montgomery 4-2
Delhi 3-3
Hudson Valley 2-4
Columbia-Greene 0-4
Mohawk Valley 0-5
Photo: Seniors honored before the match, from left: Shelbey Lyons, Emily Robinson, Gabrielle Hale, Caitlyn Hayward, Head Coach Rachael Salvione, Sarah Wyzomirski, Assistant Coaches Tina Oyler and Nicole MacGregor
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