7 hours Ago
Back at it on Saturday evening, it was up against Section 5’s Fairport for the state championship. Although Shenendehowa got off to a strong start, Fairport was able to take the best-of-five match in four sets, securing its second straight state title, 16-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18-25. “Things didn’t go our way today, but we have really worked hard on so many things this season,” said Shenendehowa head coach Lori Kessler.
“Fairport was a phenomenal team today, and we just didn’t do our very best. There’s still so much of this season to be proud of.” After Shenendehowa and Fairport split the first two sets, there was a turning point in the third set.
Fairport was able to mount a comeback, taking all the momentum into the fourth set. During pool play on Friday, Fairport topped Shenendehowa in three sets, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10. After sweeping John Jay East Fishkill, Shenendehowa got past Ward Melville in three sets, 24-26, 25-16, 15-6, securing a spot in Saturday’s state final.
It was a return to the state championship game for a team that won it all in 2022. “It was everything,” Kessler said of her group getting back to the state final. “Yesterday was a hard-fought battle and I’m really proud of them for making it here.
They were a phenomenal team to work with day in and day out at practice. I’m going to miss them.” Saturday marked the third time Kessler has coached a team to the state final, with the first in 2017.
Reagan Ennist led the way on Saturday with 15 kills and 16 digs for Shenendehowa, while Jess Macken had 32 assists and eight digs. Hadley Ennist had five kills and five blocks, and Genny Sala tallied 25 digs. Jenna Marsh contributed 11 kills.
After being put through the gauntlet just to reach Saturday’s final, Kesser reflected on just how difficult it is to win a state title. “I feel like this year, the competition across the state was tremendous,” she said. “It’s really tough to get back here.
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