GLENS FALLS—Garden City survived until the last day of the season, needing just one more win to achieve a historic perfect mark. . The Trojans gave a valiant effort but fell short.
Section V’s Webster Schroeder defeated Garden City, 3-1 (25-18, 25-20, 18-25, 25-18), in the state Class AA girls volleyball final at Harding Mazzotti Arena Sunday morning.
“We have to give them the credit, they played their hearts out,” Giuliana Pamatat said. “We did too, but they got the upper hand on us.”
Webster Schroeder led the opening set,10-6. Garden City’s Alex Gregory tied the score at 12 with a kill but Webster Schroeder responded with a 10-0 run to regain control.
Gregory’s younger sister, Teresa, put down a kill that tied the second set at nine before Webster Schroeder went on a 7-1 run. Anais Bardizbanian’s ace and two kills from Alex Gregory brought Garden City to within 20-17. Webster Schroeder scored the final two points of the set.
“I think nerves affected us a bit today, considering it was the championship,” Alex Gregory said. “Yesterday, we were fearless and loose on the court. Today we played tighter.”
Garden City took a 10-9 lead in the third after Alex Gregory’s kill. Kaitlyn Varghese’s ace made it 15-10 and Kaitlyn Santopietro’s block gave them a 17-12 lead.
The Trojans took their largest lead of the match at 22-12 on Pamatat’s ace and Kate Scuderi’s kill ended the set.
“We had a slow start, but I’m so proud of this team, especially the seniors,” Garden City coach Pete Dubon said. “Everyone wants the championship, but this team was historic. They really put Garden City volleyball on the map.”
Alex Gregory’s kill capped off a 5-1 run to begin the fourth. Webster Schroeder’s 6-4 middle, Kenyatta Hart, gave the Trojans trouble as she helped spark a 9-2 run, giving her team a 17-10 lead. Scuderi had a block and kill to pull Garden City within 20-17, but Webster Schroeder answered with a 5-1 run to end the match.
“We left everything on the court,” Alex Gregory said. “Up to this point, we were undefeated. We can always look back on this season and be proud of what we accomplished.”
Alex Gregory had 20 kills and a block, while Teresa Gregory had 12 kills, two blocks and two aces.
“This game meant a lot to me, knowing it’s my last time playing with my sister,” Alex Gregory said. “I tried to enjoy every moment.”
Garden City (20-1) achieved a few program firsts this year. The Trojans advanced to their first state final and won their first Long Island championship. Their county title was the second in program history and first since 2007.
“I’ve been on this team five years and this is the furthest I’ve come,” Pamatat said. “It’s the furthest the school has ever come, so this season will always be remembered.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
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