The Spencerport Boys’ Varsity Volleyball team had an outstanding year. This team won a Sectional Title for their community for the first time since 2001. They also won their division for the second straight season going 10-0 in divisional play, while only losing two sets throughout the season.
This determination earned them a trip to Long Island in a chance to play for the State Championship. They lost to Eastport Manor in pool play but won the match versus Oswego to give them their chance to play for the coveted State Championship.
They had a rematch versus Eastport Manor out of Long Island, which was a Class A school last year. The Rangers took game one and had control of game three, but failed to capitalize. In the fourth set the boys were losing 24-17 and rallied making Eastport Manor call two timeouts and brought the score to 24-22, which showed the character of this team and program.
These boys fought for everything throughout their time in Spencerport to get to the top of Section V and New York State.
Many highlights of the season came when faced with adversity when losing to Victor in the first match of the year and winning the next 13 straight matches, with huge wins versus Gates Chili, Brockport, Brighton, Churchville and Fairport; a program that Spencerport has not beaten in 15 years at the varsity level.
With a tough stretch at the end of their schedule and trips to Buffalo, the Rangers found themselves playing back in Buffalo for the Regional match-up with Eden. But first they had to take care of the teams they faced twice during the season.
By having the number one seed for the second year in a row, the Rangers had a bye for their first round. Then they played against the Brighton Barons who won States last year and defeated Spencerport in the finals a year before. The Rangers then went to the finals to play against the 13 member senior team from Brockport. The first set was one of the most intense sporting events for all to witness. The score of game one went to 31-29 for the Rangers. Then the Rangers hit their stride and won the next two sets 25-19 and 25-14. A crowd rushed the court in a fury of excitement, giving the Rangers the epic Sectional title they were searching for as they made it to the finals three out of the last four years. The Rangers went off to a state qualifier match to play Midlakes where they came out flat but won in three sets. Finally, this led the Rangers to Orchard Park to play Eden, in their best match of the season as they came out early with a determination to win the chance to play for the State Championship. The team won in three sets and off they went to Long Island.
This team had many players recognized with awards: First Team – Josh Rabidoux, MVP; Andrew Bertino, Libero of the Year; Jarod Barnard and Trevor Lane. Second Team – Jaden Gillette, Honorable Mention; John Olmsted; Josh Hubbard; Eric Jackson; Zach Baxter and Spencer Curtis. All-Tournament team at Webster – Jaden Gillette. All-Tournament team for Sectionals MVP – Andrew Bertino, Josh Rabidoux and Trevor Lane. All-Tournament team at States – Josh Rabidoux and Jaden Gillette.
The State Sportsmanship Award went to Jarod Barnard through his leadership and development of teammates and behavior on and off the court to represent the Ranger Spirit
The Coaching Staff won Coach of the Year; making this the second time in three years Coach Aaron Austin and his coaching staff of Coach Rabidoux, Coach Jackson, and wife Coach Austin-Monje have been awarded this honor for their team’s unforgettable season.
Provided information
