Spencerport overcame a 2-1 deficit in the Class B1 Section V boy’s volleyball final to defeat rival Churchville-Chili 3-2 to win their fifth championship in a row. They went on to handle Class B2 champ Midlakes in the state Regional Qualifier before falling to Section VI titlist Clarence in the Western Regional round.
Spencerport has now won six of the last eight Section V championships.
Seniors Gage Berry and Brody Jackson were named to the All-Tournament Team while Dominic Kessler was Most Valuable Player. Aaron Austin was awarded the Class B1/B2 Coach of The Year.
“The overall commitment from the student athletes recruiting and having their friends pushing them, to the coaches and alumni coming back and coaching in season and in the club season, dedication of the entire program to improve,” Austin said about the program’s continued run off success.
Key moments this season started early in the season as they took Class A runner-up Fairport to five games and won big matches versus Gates, Canandaigua, Churchville and Brockport during the second and third week of the season.
“A lot of tough matches right away set the tone.”
“(Sophomore) Connor Galloway stepped in as Outside Hitter 1 and split time in big matches with Gage Berry who had a huge injury last year. Gavin Zimmer went on serving runs to have a change of play vs. divisional matches.
“Nate Long’s experience on varsity last year was vital to this year’s success. Baylean Rivera had a positive impact and became a team player throughout the season even through adversity. His game play pushed everyone to be better.”
The Rangers also won their tournament in mid-October against all teams that finished in the finals of their respective section or who went to states.
The coaching staff gave postseason awards to:
•MVP: Brody Jackson, Dominic Kessler
•Most Improved: Connor Galloway
•Best Defensive: Bailey Zambuto, Mason Endres.
Nine seniors played in their final high school match. Names with coach’s comments:
•Angel Nunez is a player who brought so much joy, enthusiasm, and energy to our program. Filled in well last year when injury happened at states and did admirably the past two years.
•Gage Berry who for three years always did his job, great teammate, amazing person, student athlete, friend. Section V all-tournament team, two years second-team All-Greater-Rochester player. Could be the team’s most consistent and valuable player as well.
•Dominic Kessler was injured for the last two seasons and worked incredibly hard to be ready for this year. He helped develop younger players and overall was a great teammate. Co-player of the year and Section V MVP for Class B.
•Bailey Zambuto a staple in serve receive the last three years and made incredible defensive plays. He was a calming force and won three sectionals.
•Brody Jackson, three-year All-Tournament team at sectionals, two-time MVP during sectionals, three-time AGR first team, First Team All-County this year and second team for the previous two years.
•Peyton Healy always worked hard and was a great teammate. Always a positive teammate who pushed others to be better. His commitment and love of the team and sport is unmatched.
•Noah Barravecchia was an extremely athletic and competitive member of the team. His ability to play multiple positions well helped push us to win against tough opponents. He is a three-time sectional champion.
•Jesse Taccone took a year off and came back to volleyball. He is an amazing bowler, teammate, and worked hard to improve a ton since coming back to volleyball.
•Vincenzo Bianco first year player senior, picked up the game quickly and improved a lot. He had many friends on the team and fit in well as he supported teammates.
Provided photo
