Clarkstown North Overpowers Albertus Magnus in Volleyball Season-Opener

The Albertus Magnus Falcons fell to the Clarkstown North Rams in a hard-fought, non-league season-opener Wednesday afternoon in New City.

Superior power and execution from the Rams handed them their win in straight sets.  They came out ready to play and started their season off on a good note with a dominant performance in the first set. 

After falling behind in the second set, they recovered to win it and then secured their victory in the third.  Though she was happy for the win, Rams Coach Ann Metz felt her team did not play to the best of their ability.

"We didn't play great," said Metz.  "It's the first game of the season though and we still have some kinks to work out."

Despite putting up tough competition at times throughout the match, the Falcons were unable to compete, in terms of power and consistent play-making, with the Rams.  As the definite underdogs going into the match, the Falcons played quite well and showed their resilient Falcon spirit against a talented opponent that was quite literally out of their league. 

The Falcons were the first on the board, but the Rams outscored them 5-2 to begin the set.  The Falcons fought back though, helped along by some errors from the Rams to take the lead, 6-5.  The Rams then retaliated with four straight points, thanks to the powerful service game of #21 Kerriane Lynch, who aced the Falcons for two of her three serves that turn. 

The Falcons stayed with the Rams through the middle of the set, bringing the score to 15-13.  Unfortunately for them, the Rams took control at this point with spike after powerful spike.  They rocketed their way to a victory, outscoring the Falcons, 10-1.  They concluded the run in top form with a powerful ace to end the set, 25-14.

Lynch started off the second set serving for the Rams with three aces to the gap in the Falcons offense just behind the attack line.  Though the Falcons were able to stick with them somewhat, the set was looking to turn out much the same as the previous one, with the score now 8-4. 

After a serve went long for the Rams, however, the Falcons went on a run with seven unanswered points.  This run was thanks largely to the excellent blocking of #8 Maeve Parahus, the powerful and accurate spiking of #6 Mallary McFadden, and the well-placed shots of #11 Brianne Gallagher.  The rest of the team rallied behind these players, as the Falcons outscored the Rams to bring the score to 19-15.

The Rams then took control and the lead at this point to score five consecutive points.  After a serve went long for the Rams, the Falcons retook the lead off an ace from powerhouse Mallary McFadden.  Unfortunately for the Falcons, the Rams rallied at this point to score the next five points and end the competitive set.

The third set was much the same as the first, with the Falcons being able to stick with the Rams for the beginning of the set.  With the score 7-6, the Rams took control of the set and began to pull away as they consistently outscored the Falcons in runs of three to one.  They concluded the set and the match with a dominant victory of 25-12.

Leading the Rams to this victory on the offensive end were all three seniors, #13 Katie Westervelt, #12 Sabrina Alfassa and #1 Meghan King.  Westervelt had an all around excellent performance with 32 assists and five aces.  Alfassa and King lead their team in kills, with 11 and 14 respectively.  Junior Kerianne Lynch led her team in aces with six for the match.  On the defensive end, it was Alfassa again, this time joined by sophomore, #4 Alexis Whitney, who lead their team with nine digs a piece. 

With her powerful and accurate shot, #6 Mallary McFadden was the go to outside hitter for the Falcons.  McFadden, along with #8 Maeve Parahus and #11 Brianne Gallagher, lead their team with great hitting and blocking throughout the difficult match.  "I was pleased and I understand what we need to work on," said Falcons Coach Valerie McFadden. "I was very encouraged by the girls performance."

Though their season has just begun, Metz is ambitious about the Rams' prospects this year, promising "we're a lot better than what we just showed you."