Lady Birds win first Colonial Council title

By Jordan J. Michael

VOORHEESVILLE –– The Lady Birds’ volleyball team put Albany Academy away with ease on Tuesday for its first overall Colonial Council Championship since the league started recording its history in 1977.

On top of the title, Voorheesville finished with a perfect 16-0 record.

“We took a premier league,” said Head Coach Sandy Vorse on Wednesday. “This is a huge deal.”

After beating Albany Academy on Tuesday, Vorse said that the Blackbirds were “determined to get this behind us.” Seniors Rebecca Bablin, Morgan Vandervort, Ellie Wagner, and Alexis Hargrave “did a great job pushing everyone and keeping the team focused,” she said.

Bablin went 12 for 12 with her kills and Vandervort had seven kills, seven digs, and three service aces. Wagner, the ever-consistent libero, had 12 digs.

“This is amazing,” Vorse said. “The girls have worked very hard and I’m very proud.”

Vorse pointed to the Sept. 24 win at Ravena as a turning point for Voorheesville. “We felt really confident afterwards, like we could push all the way,” she said. The team ended up winning its final 10 matches in a row.

“Ravena is very strong and has been a great program for many years,” Vorse continued. “So, after beating them, we had something real special going on. Fortunately, it stayed with us.”

The Birds are hoping for a number-one seed in Class C, but Loudonville Christian is also undefeated after winning its league, too. Voorheesville’s first playoff match could be Tuesday, or later if it’s seeded first. Seedings are to be announced this afternoon.

“I hope we get the nod,” said Vorse.

Also in Class C: Tamarac, with one loss, Galway, and Lake George. “Everything is sized up,” Vorse said. “Anything can happen.”

Vorse told The Enterprise that Voorheesville loves being on the court. “They just want to play and be together and they like it when things get tense,” she said. “This is not a chore.”

The Blackbirds future looks bright if the players stay healthy and continue to learn with every match.

“I love this team,” Vorse said. “I’m so excited that they have their place in history because that can never be taken away. Everything is icing on the cake now.”