Class BB top-seed Spencerport rode an epic 31-29 win in the first set as momentum toward a three-set sweep and their third overall Section V boys’ volleyball championship over Brockport to avenge their finals loss to Brighton one year ago.
The Rangers led by as many as five points late in the first set before the Blue Devil used their defense and blocking to get back in the game eventually tying it 20-20.
Tied at 24-24, Brockport had the chance to win on three separate occasions but couldn’t close it out. Then Spencerport had two chances to win before senior Andrew Bertino finished the win with a kill.
“Going back and forth like that was really nerve-wracking,” Rangers senior Jarod Barnard said. “I think it was half them and half us; with the crowds being here and our blocks were not as well set. But we made some adjustments on the block line and that made a big difference the rest of the match.”
Brockport built a five-point advantage at 10-5 in the second set, but the Rangers went on a 14-4 run with Bertino getting consecutive kills and Josh Rabidoux a key block. Trevor Lane later had a kill and a block and Bertino finished the 25-19 win with an ace.
Spencerport led for all but the first point of the third set as they outscored the Blue Devils 19-9 down the stretch in the 25-14 clincher.
“We weren’t aggressive in the first game – we were a little tentative, but we talked it out between games and pulled it together,” tournament Most Valuable Player Bertino said.
“We played a little tight the first game and they just let it rip after that – they were aggressive and taking risks and used that support system of all the fans and all their families,” Spencerport head coach Aaron Austin said.
“We talked about it (the finals loss last year) every day in the off season in open gyms and every week it was always a focus.”
Rabidoux led the Rangers with eight kills, senior Zach Baxter added six kills, Barnard handed out 31 assists and Jaden Gillette led with 15 digs. Bertino had four kills, but served 27 times for 22 points.
In addition to Bertino being named MVP, lane and Rabidoux were named to the All-Tournament Team along with Brockport seniors John Bamburowski and Jake Vergari.
The Rangers last won a Section V boys volleyball title in 2001-02 and also won in 1990-91.
