Boys volleyball: Section V sweeps as Fairport, Spencerport earn spots in state final four
Once again, Section V will send both Section V boys volleyball champions to the state tournament.
As Spencerport returns to next weekend's New York State Public High School Athletic Association tournament, Fairport will join them as the Red Raiders continue their unbeaten season.
Fairport defeated Section VI's Clarence 3-1 in the Division I region final while Spencerport dropped West Seneca West in straight sets in the Division II match Saturday afternoon at Kenmore West High School.
Spencerport's win was not so easy. The Rangers won 25-23, 25-13, 25-22. The third set went point-for-point as WSW refused to lose. But Spencerport again overcame personal troubles and a key injury to return to states.
"We went through a lot, losing one of our players and dealing with what we've been dealing with a team," Austin said. "We didn't think we had it won. We didn't want to open up the door"
What it means
Fairport coach John O'Dell's Red Raiders will enter their latest NYSPHSAA championship tournament with a perfect 20-0 record. Their previous trips to states resulted in NYS titles in 2018 and 2013.
Spencerport coach Aaron Austin's Rangers improved to 18-5 as they return to the state tournament. Spencerport, the four-time Section V champion, lost in the NYS final the previous two seasons.
Boys volleyball: Section V scores for the 2023 season
Top players
Division II
Many Spencerport players stepped up after Gage Berry suffered a leg injury 13 points into the match. Brody Jackson and Collin Auburn "really came to play" with 16 kills each. Setter Shaun Cannon shared the ball with 24 assists. Bailey Zambuto had another strong defensive outing with 11 digs.
Mason Endres and Nick Palermo "saved in the day" as they both filled in for Berry. Spencerport's blocking was "phenomenal" in slowing down WSW's top hitters. The Rangers hit close to .500 for the match.
What's next
Fairport and Spencerport will participate in the NYSPHSAA Boys Volleyball Championships on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Albany Capital Center. Pool play begins at 10 a.m. Championship matches start at 3 p.m.
In Division I, Fairport joins Section XI's Center Moriches and reigning state champion Shenendehowa of Section II.
In the Division II tournament, Spencerport will join Section XI's Westhampton and Section III's Jamesville-DeWitt, who beat the Rangers in the 2022 NYS final.
Penfield is the last Section V team to win a state title when former coach Mike Fusare guided the Patriots to the Division I championship in 2021. Before 2022, Section V has been home to at least one state champ since 2010.
"They want to win it for Gage and for each other," Austin said. "They want to win it for our alumni that passed this torch along. It was hard losing Gage today but it was a rallying point."
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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Boys volleyball Fairport, Spencerport win to reach state championships
