Volleyball: Dobbs Ferry sweeps Lansing, advances to Class C state regional final

Eugene Rapay, Rockland/Westchester Journal News

November 11, 2021 at 5:28 PM·4 min read

FREEDOM PLAINS - Dobbs Ferry didn't drop a single set through the Section 1 tournament, and as the Eagles' postseason journey continues into the state level, they don't intend on breaking that streak now.

The undefeated Eagles maintained their impressive play through the NYSPHSAA Class C subregionals, sweeping Section 4 champion Lansing on Thursday afternoon, 25-22, 25-19, 25-15.

"Isn't that amazing? Who would've thought?" Dobbs Ferry coach Patty Duane said of the Eagles' streak. "I really didn't expect that today. I saw Lansing's match on Saturday, where they went back and forth with Oneonta, and I told my team they have grit and determination and do not think for one moment that they will not fight back. I was really surprised we did it in three, but I'll take it."

Dobb's Ferry's, from left, Talia Reith and Liberty McCormack attempt to block Lansing's Andra Benson's spike during the Class C volleyball regional semifinal on November 11, 2021.

NYSPHSAA subregionals: Scores, results, story links and more from the NYSPSHAA state volleyball playoff matches on Nov. 10-11

Dobbs Ferry: Undefeated Dobbs Ferry sweeps past Croton-Harmon for the Section 1 Class C title

Volleyball: Head coach Patty Duane earns 200th career win as Eagles remain undefeated

For Duane, while this wasn't her first trip to the state tournament, it was the first time for her players. The Eagles last played a state playoff match in 2014, well before this current generation of players even started middle school.

"Nobody on our team has come this far and Dobbs Ferry hasn't gone this far in a while, so I think the pressure of it is a little scary, but we're definitely pushing through," Dobbs Ferry senior Liberty McCormack said. "I think that we're easily getting through our nerves. ... I think we started off a little slow, but we definitely picked it up and we learned to trust each other and focused, and we definitely played well towards the end."

Dobbs Ferry celebrates their win over Lansing in the Class C volleyball regional semifinal on November 11, 2021.

After a back and forth start to the match, the Eagles started to pull away. They pushed their lead to as high as six, but then Lansing started to rally in an attempt to salvage the first set. The Bobcats cut the deficit down to 23-22 late, but then the Eagles were able to string back-to-back points to claim the first set.

As the match went on, the Eagles appeared to gain more confidence. Dobbs Ferry pushed its lead into double figures in the second set and eventually hold on to take a 2-0 lead.

Dobbs Ferry rode the momentum through the third set and finished strong. The Eagles took an early lead and hardly looked back from there.

"We watched a lot of film from Lansing, and we learned what their patterns were and how they played," McCormack said. "I think we just studied off of that and used it to our advantage and a strong defense was definitely a key factor in this."

Dobbs Ferry's, from left, Claire Greatz and Gaia Rillosi celebrates their win over Lansing in the Class C volleyball regional semifinal on November 11, 2021.

Outside of a few stretches, the Eagles didn't allow the Bobcats to settle in offensively. While it was another sweep for their collection and another victory for their unbeaten record, they know they'll have a bigger test in Section 9 power Millbrook on Saturday in the Class C state regional finals.

"Keep elevating and just keep going, because we know each round in we're gonna meet a tougher team," Duane said. "I know Millbrook is a tough team coming up, so we want to best prepare for them but also keep our foundational skills in top notch."

Dobbs Ferry's Talia Reith spikes on Lansing's, from left, Andra Benson and Tennessee Gooch during the Class C volleyball regional semifinal on November 11, 2021.

Turning point

The Eagles started the second set off strong. They grabbed an early lead and eventually pushed the lead into double figures midway through the second. The Bobcats were able to create some momentum late, but the Eagles held on for a 25-19 win to take a 2-0 lead.

Player of the game

Liberty McCormack, Dobbs Ferry: The senior hitter rose to the occasion once again for the Eagles. She had a game-high 16 kills, with 10 digs and a block in their win.

By the numbers

Dobbs Ferry (20-0) — Anabel Patino had 26 assists and 17 digs. Claire Geratz had six kills, nine digs, four aces, two assists and a block. Talia Reith had six kills, two digs and two blocks. Gaia Rillosi had 14 digs and two aces. Isabella Racanelli had seven digs.

Lansing (19-2) — This was Lansing's first and only loss in straight sets this season.

Quotable

"There was just great communication on the court, even on broken plays with what to do and who was going to handle it," Duane said. "I was also very pleased with our middles today, Talia (Reith) and Katerina (Merrow). Our setter was able to go to them and keep their middle blocker honest, so that left some isolation for the outside hitters and I thought that was a very good thing. Overall, very pleased with the win."

Follow Eugene Rapay on Twitter at @erapay5 and on Instagram at @byeugenerapay.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Volleyball: Dobbs Ferry sweeps Lansing in Class C state subregionals

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Turning point

By the numbers

Quotable

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