M-W's fifth set magic brings historic Section 10 Class D title
Nov. 2—FOR COVINGTON — Madrid-Waddington's fifth set magic in the 2023 Girls Volleyball season rose to the next level, on Monday night, overriding the splendid spell which Chateaugay had cast over the Section 10 Class D championship for over for over a decade.
For the the eighth time in nine matches and second straight sectional tournament match the Jackets won a grueling five-set match rallying from a 2-1 deficit to win the fourth set and taking the deciding fifth set 15-11 over Chateaugay.
Coach Charlie French felt that the amazing fifth set mastery gave his team an added inspiration for the fourth set victory.
"In the fourth set when we were down a few points and behind a set I reminded the girls that we just need to get to the fifth set. We have been in five set nights many times and our confidence and adrenaline seem to improve as we go," said Coach French.
"They had some volleys that seemed unending in that set. We finally gained an edge to get that win in the fourth. We didn't make errors in the fifth set and forced Chateaugay to earn all their points. I think Kieanna Webb, Kaitlyn Putman, Erica Bates, and Madison VanGorden all served without errors in the fifth and the team defended their serving lead to an 11 to 15 victory to win the section 10 class D championship."
French also felt that senior leadership was permeated through the match staged as Salmon River Central School.
"Our senior leadership tonight with Lillan Todd and Erica Bates helped us rally for a three to two win. The whole team really received well and served consistently. We started gaining confidence in the second set with some big hits and blocks. Kaitlyn Putman and Madison VanGorden were able to put together some hits, and Kaitlyn kept placing the ball where they couldn't defend it. I can't say enough about how strong Keianna Webb played as our setter, nearly every ball went through her hands as we battled all 5 sets," said Coach French.
"Lillan Todd, Erica Bates, Baylee Skinner and Kaitlyn Putman took turns blocking for almost two hours of play as Chateaugay sent hit after hit."
Soccer Drought
Section 10 soccer teams went winless as regional play began with five contests. Plattsburgh blanked Massena 3-0 in Boys Class A, Schalmont downed Malone 7-1 in Girls Class A,. Voorheesville blanked Salmon River 3-0 in Girls Class B and Northern Adirondack bested St. Lawrence Central 5-1 in Girls Class C.
