Rangers in final for first time in six years

The Spencerport Rangers girl’s volleyball team advanced to the Monroe County small school final for the first time in six years by upsetting top-seeded Pittsford-Sutherland 28-30, 30-26, 31-29, 30-26. They would lose to third-seeded Irondequoit in the finals three games to one.

In the semi’s, the Rangers scored the final four points of game two to even the match, led the second half of the third game and never trailed in the fourth and deciding game to win. “They have a much better record than us, so this is a huge win,” said Ranger head coach Amy Burbano after the game. “We really came together today as a team.”

Melissa Watson led with 15 kills and helped defensively with 20 digs. Kristen Bourne dished out 28 assists and served for 20 points during the match while Kristina Schweikert led with 23 digs and added seven kills.

In the finals, Irondequoit used their front line height advantage to win the first game 30-17 and won the second 30-24 led by a 9-0 run. The third game was the Kristina Schweikert show as she had nine kills and a service ace in a 30-14 Ranger win. The Indians went 16-6 down the stretch to win the fourth game and match 30-17.

“We played with confidence on Thursday and we didn’t today,” said Burbano about the championship game. “I’m proud we got this far and it’s a testament to our senior leadership.”

Bourne was named to the All-Tournament team, as was Schweikert who had 18 kills and 25 digs in the finals.