Pine Bush defeats Monroe-Woodbury in tense five-set volleyball match
Central Valley. Both teams could face each other in the Section 9 title game.
| 17 Oct 2019 | 01:26
The Crusaders show the intensity of the rivalry as they react to wining the first set against Pine Bush. (
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Madalyn Barry had 17 kills in the five-set match.
Catarina Schiff continuous quick reactions kept the Crusaders alive throughout the match.
Jordan Ader sets one of her 16 assists late in the match.
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Monroe Woodbury High School, the Crusaders hosted the Bushmen of Pine Bush in a critical OCIAA Division 1 volleyball showdown.
The Crusaders entered the match with a 11-1 record and Pine Bush stood at 11-2. The Crusaders beat the Bushmen in a five-set battle when they met earlier in the season at Pine Bush.
The Crusaders staged a comeback victory in the first set. After falling behind by six, they stormed back and won 25-21.
In the second set the Crusaders took an early lead and held on for a relatively easy 25-18 victory.
With their backs against the wall the Bushmen responded and dominated the third set 25-12.
In the fourth set the two teams really began to show why they are the top two volleyball teams in Section 9 this season as they Bushmen held on and won a close 25-23 decision.
In a classic fifth set the Crusaders went out to an early lead but the Bushmen fought their way back and the score was tied late in the set at 19.
The Bushmen pulled ahead at the wire and took the match with the final set victory 25-23.
Outstanding performances were turned in by Crusaders Madalyn Barry 17 kills, 7 digs, 3 aces; Caterina Schiff 12 digs; Jordan Ader 16 assists, 5 kills, 3 digs; Julia Maher 7 digs, 3 kills.
Having split the regular season series the two teams are both eyeing the possibility of meeting one more time this year with the Section 9 title on the line.
The Crusaders loss brings their record to 11-2 on the season. Their next match will be on Friday when they travel to Kingston to face the Tigers.
- William Dimmit