Photos: Blackbirds swoosh back to States

The Voorheesville Blackbirds needed one more win to be one of the final four teams, playing for the state championship in Glens Falls next Saturday. The team has knocked on the door to be champion four times before; the last time was in 2013. On Saturday afternoon, the Blackbirds faced Section 7 champion Saranac Lake for the Class C regional championship at Saranac Lake High School in the Adirondacks and took care of business, winning in three straight sets: 25-18, 25-11, 25-12.

 The Enterprise — Michael Koff

All smiles: After the last point was made, the Voorheesville Blackbirds come together for a joyous victory hug on the court after winning the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class C regional final in straight sets —  25-18, 25-11, 25-12 — against Saranac Lake High School in the Adirondacks last Saturday. The Birds will return to state competition this Saturday for the first time since a four-year run from 2010 to 2013 when they placed second in two of those years. 

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

New hardware: Voorheesville captains, Emily Bablin, left, and Sophie Whiteman bring back the regional plaque back to the applause of their teammates.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Working together: Voorheesville's Emily Bablin and Sophie Whiteman both go to bump the ball after a Saranac Lake serve in which Bablin sent it toward her sister, Katy, to set. Emily Bablin had seven kills while Whiteman recorded four kills in the win.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

With a little tap of the hand, Blackbirds' Victoria Konicki chips the ball over the net for one of her four kills in the game.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Showing intensity in her face,Blackbirds' Marie Julian leaps up for a block against Saranac Lake’s Katie Gay in the second set. Julian had 12 service points and six aces.