Working deep into last Tuesday night, the Chittenango girls volleyball team made an inspiring comeback at East Syracuse-Minoa, beating the Spartans in five games.

The Bears entered the contest at 4-4, and it looked for a while as if it would slide below the .500 mark again.

A close opening game went in the Spartans’ favor, 26-24, and though the second game was also close, ESM took that game, too, by a 25-21 margin.

Staring at a 2-0 deficit in games, Chittenango did not blink, even when the third game was a close one. And once it prevailed in that game 25-22, the jolt of energy carried over into a lopsided fourth game where the Bears, by a score of 25-13, got even.

This set up a classic fifth game. Both teams had multiple chances to close out the match, but could not do so. Finally, at 26-26, Chittenango got the serve back, and converted on match point to win, 28-26, and complete its comeback.

Kelsey Brady finished with nine aces, seven kills and four blocks. Thresa Myers had eight aces, seven blocks and four kills, while Ashley Evans earned five kills and five assists. Chelsea Cox contributed 11 assists.

For the Spartans, Courtney Bowhall and Brittany Amsdell each had 14 kills, while Alex Card set up points with her 33 assists.