Mustangs pass semifinal volleyball test
WEST WINFIELD - With their backs to the wall on their home court Tuesday, the Mt. Markham Mustangs came from behind to beat Canastota, keep their record perfect and earn a spot in Section III's winter Class C volleyball final.
The top-seeded Mustangs had lost only two games previously in match play this season and had trailed 1-0 once before falling behind two games-to-one against No. 4 Canastota in the sectional semifinals.
"We were playing tight," Mt. Markham coach Terry McKane said following a 25-22, 25-27, 21-25, 25-18, 15-13 victory. "I said three things to them before the game: play hard, play together and have run. I just kept repeating that."
More:Section 3 girls volleyball scores for the 2022-23 season
The win sends Mt. Markham to Watertown Saturday for an unbeaten showdown with Beaver River, a 3-1 winner over defending champion Tully in the other semifinal. The 10 a.m. Class C match is the first of four finals scheduled at Case Middle School.
The Mustangs seeking a sixth sectional championship, all in the last 20 years.
"This was a great match," Canastota coach Marcia Laidlaw said. "Just like the old days."
The Mustangs (18-0) played through the tightness and won the first game despite missing six serves. The scoring was just as tight; the teams were never separated by more than three points in the second game which was tied as late as 24 and 25. Tied at one game each, the Mustangs got out to a 7-2 lead in Game 3 before Canastota (19-3) swung the score back to a tie at and took a lead at 12-11. Canastota broke away from a tie at 20 to take its 2-1 lead.
Facing the threat of elimination, Mt. Markham got out quick again in the fourth game, taking an 8-0 lead with Abbie Ainslie serving. The Mustangs stretched the lead to 12-2 and never trailing and putting down the final point with a
lock.Game 5 was tied at 7 with the next point switching ends. The score was tied again 8, 9 and 10 before the Mustangs took the final lead with back-to-back kills by Trinity Bailey off the tape.
Bailey finished with 16 kills in addition to 19 by Paige Korosec. Addison Jones and Haley Otis combined for 47 assists.
Helen Shear had 15 kills and Kory Matteson made 13 for Canastota. Anna Campbell had 31 assists.
This article originally appeared on Times Telegram: Mt. Markham defeats Canasota, advances to Section 3 voleyball final
