BALDWINSVILLE – As they grew up and made their way through various levels of competition, current members of the Fayetteville-Manlius girls volleyball team always had an ultimate goal – at some point, defeat the long-reigning Baldwinsville Bees.
That moment finally arrived Monday night at Baker High School, when the Hornets recorded one of the biggest wins in program history, leaving little doubt as it traveled to B’ville and prevailed in four sets.
Not only was it the first F-M victory over the Bees in recent memory, it was the first time any Section III team had topped B’ville in a head-to-head match since Liverpool did so in September 2003.
The Hornets didn’t care much about that past history. All that mattered to them was that, back on March 19, it had erased a big deficit against the Bees, only to lose a tense fifth set 25-21.
At first, the rematch went in the same direction as B’ville handled the opening set 25-15, but here F-M quickly turned it around, controlling the second set by a 25-16 margin.
Just as important was following it up with a 25-20 victory in the third set. Now in front, the Hornets maintained its poise and had an answer every time the Bees charged in the fourth set.
In another 25-20 decision, F-M closed it out, with Morgan Napier the constant focal point thanks to her 37 assists as she added eight digs and served up three aces.
Up front, there was much-needed balance and depth. Harper Stoppacher and Amanda Groesbeck both produced 12 kills, Groesbeck adding three blocks and Stoppacher getting a pair of blocks plus five digs.
It went further, too, thanks to Kaylene Nobel’s six kills and three blocks, plus Ijeoma Okoh earning five kills.
On the defensive side, Molly McNany was a steady presence, earning 17 digs, with Nina Avery adding nine digs and Zoe Myint getting eight digs to go with three aces.
B’ville, in defeat, got 10 kills apiece from Kyrah Wilbur and Sophia Ianno, with Gianna May adding seven kills and Brooke Clute held to five kills to go with 12 digs. Jenna Garvey produced 23 assists as Catherine Iven had four aces and six digs.
Upon returning home to F-M, the team bus was greeted by honking horns, flashing lights and a cheering section of parents and friends celebrating the victory.
