ONTARIO, NY — For the fifth year running, the Portville girls volleyball team is headed to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Final Four.
After claiming Section 6 glory over Eden, the Panthers moved onto the NYSPHSAA Far-West Regional where they took on Section 5 Champion Le Roy. The Knights earned their spot in the regional game after avenging their loss in last season’s Section 5 Class C Crossover by taking down reigning champs Bloomfield.
But frankly the fresh opponent did not phase Portville as it rolled to a 3-0 sweep over Le Roy on Nov. 15.
Winning the sets by scores of 25-11, 25-15 and 25-13, the Panthers were led by Ali Haynes’ 18 kills, 14 digs and five blocks. Helping her out was Addie Walker, who racked up 42 assists and eight digs, Gaitley Maiolo, who had 13 kills, Leigha Stives and Marissa Carls, who each finished with seven kills, and Mia Rhinehart, who had 22 digs.
The Panthers will be joined by Lansing, Mount Academy (IX) and Port Jefferson in Pool Play set to begin on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls.
Portville defeated Mount Academy (IX) 3-1 in last season’s Class C Final.
