Meeting for the Capital District girls volleyball tournament title, perennial powers Atlee and Hanover took to the Raiders home floor in a battle that would not prove to be a re-run from last season and for the past four years.  With the absence of Atlee’s nemesis, Hanover’s Kristin Carpenter (now playing for Penn State) the young Raiders faced their rivals without intimidation, brooming up Hawk feathers in a 3-0 sweep; 25-12, 25-20, 25-18.

  Following four years of losses to Hanover and his own daughter Kristin, Atlee head coach Curtis joked that he was glad this year was different. “It’s nice because four years ago we were still top dog,” he said. “And then that kid from my household showed up and she led a group of nice athletes over there, and they did a fine job.  We fought ‘em hard several times but always came up short, so to dispose of Hanover, or however you want to put it…I think a lot of people forget that we were there before them.  So, it’s nice to be back.”

  Though swept by his team’s rival Hanover head coach Karl Lippa was pleased overall with the performance of the Hawks.  “I think our game two and our game three were very good,” he said. “I think game three went really well.  For having a team of eight girls that never played varsity out of the eleven, and to make it to District finals against a well-coached and well-playing team like Atlee, I think is phenomenal.  I’m very proud of them.”

  Carpenter, praised Hanover’s talent while pointing out that his team could have played better.  “(Hanover’s) well-coached; they’re a good group of girls; they’re athletic,” he said. “So we knew they’d get better and we had to make sure we were prepared.  We kind of figured it would come down to Hanover.  Hanover played well; and I definitely don’t think we played as well as we should have.  We haven’t really gotten to a nice rhythm that I would want especially at this time; but it’s still pretty nice.”

  Carpenter pointed out that his players would agree with his assessment. “I’m pretty sure that they would say they didn’t play as crisp as they would have liked,” he said. “Maybe they got a little wound up with the crowd; I’m not really sure.  Overall I like the direction that we’re going in I’m really pleased with.”

  Playing four freshman this season, Carpenter has had his challenges with inexperience, but has taken it in stride.  “I have to remind myself that I have four freshmen out there,” he said. “When they make a mistake, I have to calm myself back down because I’ll think ‘What are they doing?’  Well, that’s just inexperience.  We’ve got Kayleigh Moody who’s only been playing for a year.  So, I’ve got kids that are very green still; but they are very good; and they’re very competitive.  They’re top competitors and they want to succeed.  That’s the beauty part, where you’ve got competitors that have success imbedded in their minds.  That’s a nice dilemma to have.”

  Freshman Karlie Subar led the Raiders with 13 assists, nine kills, four digs, three aces and two blocks. Courtney Booth added six kills, two blocks, three digs and four aces and Jordyn Richardson contributed six kills, an ace, a block and six digs in the win.

  Carpenter’s most pleasant surprise of the night came from junior outside hitter Jordyn Richardson. “I got a nice surprise out of Richardson tonight,” he said. “We had some things I needed to take care of and she ended up being in the starting line-up.  It was definitely evident that she came to play.  She found out she was starting mid-way through the boys match, so she did a good job.  I was real pleased with that.”

  Carpenter also praised the work of senior setter Katie Norris. “Katie Norris has impressed me all season long.  At first I didn’t really see how that was going to work out; but she’s worked hard and she’s earned herself a spot.  She’s risen to the occasion.  She led a consistent night; and we run a six-two, so, she’s sharing setting duties.  She’s doing a nice job of leading the team.”

  Turning in superior play for the Hawks was junior outside hitter Ashley Boyd.  “Ashley Boyd played phenomenal,” Lippa said. “I really think she played very well offensively; and Lindsey Smith.  I think those two really played well.  The Majewski sisters, Logan and Ryane, both played well…  We made some changes in game two and game three; and, to me, I think that really made a difference.  Although we did not pull out a game, I think it showed a huge difference.”

  Ryane Majewski paced the Hawks with seven kills, 11 digs, two blocks and an ace, sister Logan added five kills, seven digs, two aces and a blocked shot and Lindsay Smith had 10 digs.

Hanover…........................ 12 20 18
Atlee ..................................25 25 25
Records: Hanover 13-9; Atlee 18-4