NEWBURGH – In what’s been an awesome fall sports season for John Jay-East Fishkill, with several of its teams competing for or having already won championships, it is especially fulfilling for the volleyball players to be the talk of the school.
Because this group began the season with the privilege — and pressure — of high expectations, following a surprise run to the state semifinals a year ago. And all they’ve done is live up to the hype and confirm that their success wasn’t a fluke.
“It’s a great feeling, being looked at as one of those teams now, and having even the other athletes get excited about us,” senior Bella Cabrera said of her squad being regarded among the elite. “It wasn’t like this a few years ago.”
Not along ago, John Jay was a good team with young talent and the potential to maybe contend in Section 1. Now, they’re a powerhouse with a legitimate chance at a state championship.
The Patriots continued their march, following in their own footsteps, with a four-set win over Section 9’s Valley Central in a Class AAA subregional Tuesday at Mount St. Mary College. John Jay shook off a poor start and rolled to a 16-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-15 win, advancing to the regional final.
“It’s glorious!” coach Maria Mahoney said with a smile. “Last year felt like a miracle, and to do it twice in a row is incredible.”
Mahoney, a longtime social studies teacher and coach, informed her team that she intends to retire and this season will be her last. That, the players said, is an additional spark during this run.
“It makes this a lot more important,” senior Jaeda Lisi said. “We’re not just playing for ourselves, we’re doing it for her. For all the years she’s put in and all she’s done for the program, we want her to walk away with a good ending.”
Next up
The Patriots (18-2) will face Saratoga Springs or West Genesee in the regional final on Saturday. The venue and time will be determined by which of those opponents wins their subregional matchup.
“We want to get back to states badly, and that’s our focus,” Peyton Kellam said, “but we’re not looking past what’s ahead of us. All that matters right now is the next match.”
Takeaways
Valley Central, which won its first Section 9 championship last week, controlled the first game from its outset and outside hitter Alena Singleton excelled with her power shots.
But the Patriots turned the tide midway through the second set when Kellam’s blistering spike inside the back line gave them a 12-11 lead that wasn’t relinquished. Lisi followed with an ace, and the team rolled from there.
“We came in a little sluggish and didn’t start strong,” said Cabrera, who had nine kills. “Once we shook that off, our confidence and energy picked up.”
Following their five-set comeback win in the section final Sunday, Mahoney said, the team had a vigorous practice and film session on Monday and “was a little tired” to start the 10 a.m. subregional. But losing that first game, essentially, was wake-up call and the adrenaline kicked in.
The team has been rebuilt somewhat around the core of Kellam, Lisi and Cabrera, who also starred last year. But those newcomers and underclassmen now in key roles, Kellam said, “have brought a lot of youthful energy.” Skill, too.
The volleyball, boys soccer and cheer teams at John Jay each won at least a Section 1 championship, and the top-seeded football team will compete in its section final this weekend.
Player of the game
Kellam had 19 kills, several of which came at critical points and started runs. The senior is among the best outside hitters in the state and, with her combination of athleticism, instincts and an overpowering shot, she often takes over games.
They said it
“It’s really satisfying to know that the work you’re doing makes a difference,” Mahoney said. “To see these girls improve over the years, it’s been so rewarding. It’s a great group and they’ve bought in, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have a team like this in my last year.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: John Jay volleyball tops Valley Central, advancing to the Class AAA regional final
Reporting by Stephen Haynes, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
