Webster Schroeder's defense clinches regionals berth in Section V girls volleyball
ROCHESTER — Webster Schroeder coach Pete DeWitte couldn't handle the stress of another five-set match.
The Warriors needed five sets to win the Class AA1 title — their first since 2015. They've played Irondequoit to five once already too. On Tuesday, though, Schroeder (18-1) won its 18th straight match in a straight-sets win over Irondequoit in the Section V Class AA crossover at Gates Chili.
"It's definitely incredible to make it this far senior year," Schroeder senior Lina Fitzharris said. "Irondequoit is an amazing team, and there's so many others in the region. We put our all in and we're here. It's awesome."
YOU KNOW WHY IM HERE
Irondequoit v @SchroederSports girls volleyball Class AA final. Winner goes to regionals.
Eagles won a 2022 region title on the way to states. They gotta get by the 18-1 Warriors to return.@DandC @jjDandC @sectionvgvball pic.twitter.com/rkA7CSb0G1— Marquel Slaughter🌊 (@MarquelSports) November 7, 2023
What it means
Webster Schroeder, Attica and Alexander each won Tuesday night crossover matches in straight sets to advance to regionals. Attica beat two-time champion Harley Allendale Columbia in Class C. Alexander ended Elba's season in Class D.
Fairport, Pittsford Sutherland and Livonia already advanced to play the Buffalo area's Section VI teams in the Far West Regionals.
Irondequoit's two-time champion Eagles fell to 15-6. It was coach Marc Callari's final match with his daughter McKenna. They won regionals and went to states together in 2022. In Tuesday's Class AA crossover, Irondequoit led most of Game 1 and had game point, only to lose their 24-22 lead as Schroeder stormed back to win 28-26.
Player of the game
Lina Fitzharris
The four-year starter was in her bag. Fitzharris put down 19 kills with an array of shots, mixing powerful spikes and delicate tips so well the Eagles were fooled. The outside hitter also added an ace. Setter Sarah Ferruzza spread the kills to keep Irondequoit guessing.
Fitzharris' move to middle won the Class AA1 final. Her defense was effective again Tuesday. Fitzharris had three blocks, and joined Ava Gallup, Sarah Ferruzza and Madalyn Brown in taking the line to redirect McKenna Callari and Natalie Pedersen's heavy swings. Fitzharris and Gallup blocked a shot for game point in the second set.
Unsung heroes
Erin Mueller and
Maddie Siphakongviseth
They were the perfect pair to clean up Irondequoit's hard crosses that flew by the front row. Mueller is a senior and five-year starter who began her career at libero. Siphakongviseth is a sophomore libero who won Class AA1 tournament MVP honors.
When it finally seemed like Laney Flynn's offense generated high percentage shots, Mueller and Siphakongviseth made jaw-dropping digs too keep Schroeder in system.
"I'll let my back row dig their hitters all day," DeWitte said. "I give credit to our huge blocks. … That helped us run our offense and kept Irondequoit on their heels."
What's next
Section V will host Section VI's champions in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Far West Regionals this weekend. Winners clinch an NYSPHSAA Championships tournament berth Nov. 18 in Glens Falls.
"I want to take this ride as long as possible," DeWitte said. "I can only control what we can control, and I feel like we'll be OK."
Friday at Letchworth
Class D: Alexander (21-2) vs. Chautauqua Lake, 5 p.m.
Class C: Attica (21-0) vs. Portville, 7 p.m.
Saturday at Victor
Class B: Livonia vs. Southwestern, 10 a.m.
Class A: Pittsford Sutherland (18-2) vs. Williamsville South, 12:30 p.m.
Class AAA: Fairport (18-0) vs. Lancaster, 5:30 p.m.
Class AA: Webster Schroeder vs. Frontier, 3 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V Girls volleyball champions: Webster Schroeder wins Class AA
