Section V rules girls state volleyball: Webster Schroeder, Fairport celebrate titles

Moments after winning its own state championship, Webster Schroeder witnessed Fairport do the same Sunday morning in Glens Falls.

As Fairport collapsed to the floor in celebration of its title-clinching match point, Schroeder's girls jumped for joy beyond the Cool Insuring Arena glass. It was a festive moment for both girls volleyball teams, as each completed immaculate runs to their first New York State Public High School Athletic Association championships.

Meghan Clifford and Kiera Cornman's Fairport Red Raiders overwhelmed Section IX's Pine Bush in the Class AAA semifinals and then Section VIII champion Massapequa in the NYS title match, beating both in straight sets. Fairport's crushing 2022 regional loss to Lancaster fueled its state title run. The Red Raiders beat the Legends twice this season.

"The end of last season was the marker for us," Fairport coach Trish Forgensi said. "How do we want to feel when we end the season? We said in August we didn't want to feel that way. Today was the complete opposite. All this work was for success and the joy on every one of the kids' faces."

Erin Mueller and Lina Fitzpatrick's Webster Schroeder Warriors narrowly defeated Cornwall Central of Section IX 3-1 in the Class AA semifinals, and swept Section VIII's Long Beach 3-0 in the state final. Mueller's five years of varsity experience alongside four-year players Fitzpatrick and Sarah Ferruzza, and other seniors, pushed Schroeder to a title.

"That showed when you go into tough matches," Schroeder coach Peter DeWitte said. "They always kept that level head no matter what. That worked in our advantage. ... We didn't have the story written yet. It wasn't fully complete."

What it means for Fairport, Webster Schroeder

Class AAA

Fairport won the program's first state championship by completing a perfect 21-0 season. They've won two consecutive Section V championships. Fairport's boys volleyball team won an NYS title the same weekend. Siblings Jack and Mila Bones, Liam and Delaney Yusko, Adam and Kiera Cornman, Andrew and Avery Howe are a combined 42-0.

"You surround yourself with the best of the best," Forgensi said. "They practice really hard. It might've been quick but this was definitely the group of girls that needed to do it."

Class AA

Webster Schroeder won the program's first NYS title and ended the season 20-1. The girls said DeWitte heightened their goal from a Section V title to a state championship in August.

"it's really great to finally have it be real," junior Maddy Brown said.

Top players for Fairport, Webster Schroeder

Class AAA

Fairport

So many Fariport players stepped up. Hitters Meghan Clifford, Kiera Cornman and Avery Harris were on top of their games. Lana Wood set well and Peyton Snyder were defensively sound throughout the final four. Avery Harris. Alana Lucey and Kellyn McDonald round out the senior class.

Forgensi was up late watching more Massapequa tape after their "upset" over reigning champ Shenendehowa, but the Red Raiders were ready to go by Sunday's final.

"I knew there was gong to be a hiccup, but they came out and surprised me with how well they handled everything this weekend this is the past even level playing of every single member of the team."

Class AA

Erin Mueller was named MVP of the tournament after Schroeder "flustered" Long Beach in the final. Mueller and Ava Gallup each hit well off Ferruzza's sets. Elizabeth Ford stepped up Maddy Brown was a "rock star". Fitzpatrick eclipsed 1,000 career kills in the final. Weis and Mueller let nothing hit the ground in the back row. As well as Maddie Siphakongviseth, who made the all-tournament with Fitzpatrick. Cornwall almost rallied in the fourth set of the semifinals before Fitzpatrick's kill landed the match point.

"From the start of the year we had high expectations," Mueller said. "We felt really accomplished. Everyone on this team really wanted it."

Avery Harris returns

Avery Harris reignited Fairport's state title run. The junior right side didn't just return from an injury, Forgensi was pleased with how Harris' play helped the Red Raiders. Delaney Yusko was injured but her "bench captain" role was essential at states.

"She had such a presence on the court," Forgensi said. "She's in the middle of the crowd. Having her back was helpful."

Gold medal fever for Ferruzza

Sarah Ferruzza's hardware is becoming heavy. Incredibly, Ferruzza is now part of three of Schroeder's four state championship teams. She previously won NYS championships in softball (2022) and basketball (2023). The Warriors' 2014 boys hockey team is the school's only other state champion.

"It's unheard of," DeWitte said.

Fairport, Schroeder memories

Outside of competing, Fairport and Webster made memories that will last a lifetime. Both teams dressed up for commemorative photo-ops at the Cool Insuring Arena courts. Schroeder had a team dinner. Fairport went shopping and ate Olive Garden at the hotel.

"Once we won regionals everything here is a bonus," Forgensi said. "They knew they had a job go to do.

"It's crazy," Weis said. "DeWitte asked for our goals and we all said a section title. He said 'states'. To accomplish that seemed crazy for us."

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Webster Schroeder, Fairport win NY state girls volleyball championship