The Boys Are Back: Spartans Volleyball Starts Pool Play Today

GLENS FALLS — The Burnt Hills varsity boys volleyball team starts pool play at the Glens Falls Civic Center today for a chance at the program’s first Division II state title since 2007. After entering the season with a lot of questions and having one of their top players, Sam Pelton, miss most of the season because of a muscle pull in his stomach, the Spartans have still shown that they are back. Head coach Paul Sander, who is in his 14th season as head coach of the boys, remembers winning the title in 2007 at Shenendehowa and has recognized the key pieces that have put his team in the position to be amongst the last three standing. “There was a lot uncertain about this team going into the season,” Sander said. “Both of our middles are new to the game. One is in his first year and the other played half a season last year. To watch those two middles grasp the sport very quickly has made such a big difference. The point is, they’re still learning. They haven’t peaked. That made us competitive right there. That really solidified the team.” Those two are Austin Nydegger and Riley Hynes, who have more than answered any preseason questions along with setter Cody Pearce, who was asked to quarterback the team this year as a sophomore. Pearce has solidified himself as a consistent presence both on the field of play and on the stat sheet and has continued to prove himself throughout the postseason. Last Saturday, against Jamesville DeWitt at Cicero North Syracuse High School in the Division II regional finals, Pearce was an offensive catalyst for the Spartans. Aside from his assists, he had 12 consecutive service points in the final set to seal the 3-0 sweep, as the Spartans won 25-20, 25-15, 25-10. He also finished the match with two aces. “[Pearce] has been a steady setter for us,” Sander said “He’s always been able to distribute throughout different locations, spreading the defense out and giving everyone a good opportunity by, keeping the defense guessing.” One thing Burnt Hills will have to avoid today is getting out to a slow start. Although the last matchup was 3-0 sweep, the Spartans came out of the gates slow against the Red Rams, trailing 10-9 early. “They came out a little bit tight, but they were able to loosen up,” Sander said. “Hopefully it just builds their confidence and we don’t get off to a slow start like that Friday. It’s just a matter of getting used to playing in the postseason.” After a dominating six year stretch, the Spartans have missed the playoffs entirely the last three seasons, making this year that much sweeter for Sander. “It is special for me because I don’t have anyone who was there the last time in 2009, but they hear about the stories,” Sander said. Those stories include six consecutive undefeated seasons and a 133-match winning streak at one point. One of the other keys for the Spartans has been the return of Pelton this postseason. Before his injury in the beginning of October, he was leading the team in kills. Although he’s not fully healthy, he will again be joining the 12-man roster against the other two teams in pool play: Victor and Bellmore. “You haven’t seen his name because he’s been hurt, but he’s the one who can make a difference,” Sander said. “He’s not 100 percent, but what he does offer is a help.” Drew Haughey is another asset to the team who has gone under the. The defender, and co-captain with Pelton, is another impact player the Spartans will be relying on, especially against defending champion Bellmore who returns last year’s state tournament MVP Gary Anderson. Burnt Hills played against the other team, Victor, back on Columbus Day in Rochester and lost a close game in a one-set format, 25-22. Today’s pool play includes each team playing against the other for two sets each to 25, while the top two overall records advance to play in the championship at 6 p.m. In the case of a tiebreaker between second and third place, another game would be played. Opening ceremonies today are at 1:30 p.m. with pool play starting after. The Burnt Hills girls will begin their pool play for the Class A championship on Saturday against Pittsford Sutherland, Kings Park and Cornwall at the Civic Center, starting at 8:30 a.m. The girls’ championship match is set to be played Sunday at 10 a.m.