Spackenkill High School’s Nini Sher.
There obviously was disappointment at their season ending before they would have preferred. Still, the pervading emotion for the Spackenkill volleyball team, coach Cassi Diamond said, was pride.
Surely, an autumn season that carries into November must include fond memories. The Spartans’ was no different as they captured league and Section 9 championships in the same season for the first time.
But Spackenkill’s run was halted on Wednesday in a 25-19, 17-25, 25-13, 25-16 loss to Section 1’s Westlake High School in a Class B state regional semifinal at SUNY Ulster.
“It was a great season,” said Diamond, whose team won its first sectional title since 2014. “I’m really proud of what we accomplished, and of the team they are. This group was special.”
Nini Sher had 21 kills and two aces, and Julieanne McKee had 31 assists and five aces for Spackenkill (17-2). Samantha Wile added five kills and an ace, and Amaya Anderson had three kills and three blocks.
“We talked about our trip to Disney World (for a tournament) at the start of the season and how we bonded,” Diamond said. “There were days, especially in the postseason, I thought it would be beneficial to rest, but they wanted to practice and be together.”
The Spartans graduate three seniors — all starters — but return a strong core of juniors and sophomores.
“They want to get back out there,” Diamond said of the returning players. “They’re looking forward to our open gym in spring.”
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4