By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– The Lady Dutch varsity volleyball team couldn’t get it going against a Burnt-Hills Ballston-Lake team that hadn’t lost a Suburban Council match in 18 years.

“You may have chosen the wrong match to cover,” Guilderland Coach Jessica Allen told The Enterprise. “Burnt-Hills hasn’t lost a league game in ages. They have an amazing program.”

Allen is in her first year as varsity coach and the team is 1-11 in Suburban Council play after losing to Burnt-Hills in straight sets. “This is definitely a rebuilding year,” she said.

Burnt-Hills was in control from the beginning, jumping out to a 12-to-4 lead in the first set. Guilderland had a couple of nice plays in the set, including Kristin Clark’s extended dig that created a point. The Spartans took the set, 25-10.

The Lady Dutch kept it close during the beginning of the second set, but Burnt-Hills pulled away to a 15-to-5 lead. The Spartans took the second set, 25-9.

“You can’t expect to beat Burnt-Hills,” Allen said. “I just want my girls to have fun on the court and learn at the same time.” The team looked to be having fun –– cheering and laughing throughout the match.

Guilderland Captain Meghan Leddick had an impressive diving dig in the third set that dropped for a point. Debra Schildt also had a behind-the-back hit for the Dutch. The Spartans took the third set, 25-12, in the best-of-five match.

Guilderland had a very competitive team six to 10 years ago. This year, Guilderland’s one Suburban Council win was over Colonie towards the beginning of the season.

“Rebuilding periods can be rough on teams,” said Allen. “But, I look out there and see a bunch of learners who are fun and energetic. Winning isn’t the only thing that matters.”