Crusaders Seniors, beginning in front from left: Macaela Ross, Julia Maher, Abigail Armstrong and Catarina Schiff; and in back: Madalyn Barry, Jamie Waldron and Bianca Degennaro. (
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Macaela Ross dives to get one of her nine digs in the match.
Madalyn Barry’s all around solid play has helped the Crusaders to a first-place finish.
The Crusaders and their loyal fans celebrate their hard-fought three-set victory.
On Thursday afternoon, Oct. 23, the Crusaders ended their regular varsity volleyball season when they hosted the Valley Central Vikings.
Before the game the Crusaders held their traditional Senior Day ceremony to honor the seniors on this year's team.
The Crusaders entered the game with a 12-2 record while the Vikings stood at 8-6.
The Vikings surged ahead early in the first set but the Crusaders regained control about halfway through and went on to a 25-15 first-set victory.
In the second set the Vikings again took the early lead. This time the Crusaders had a battle on their hands as had to stage a late comeback to take the second set victory 25-20.
In the final set the Crusaders took the early lead and this time the Vikings put up a very determined comeback effort. The Crusaders were able to hold off the Vikings and took the third set 25-21 to sweep the match and to bring their season record to 13-2.
The Crusaders were led to the three set victory by seniors Maddy Barry (9 kills, 6 digs), Caterina Schiff (8 digs), Jamie Waldron (4 blocks, 3 kills), Julia Maher (5 aces 3 digs), Macaela Ross (9 digs, 3 aces) and Abigail Armstrong (2 kills, 1 block).
The Crusaders finish the season in first place in the OCIAA Division 1. Their next game will be determined when the league meets to make the playoff brackets this week.
- William Dimmit