Bomber volleyball finishes season at Section 9 finals

PINE PLAINS — Bump, set, spike! The Stissing Mountain Middle/High School varsity volleyball team followed that mantra all the way to Section 9 finals last Sunday, Nov. 8, falling in three games to Rhinebeck, 25-19, 25-22, and 25-8, at SUNY New Paltz.

But the Bombers didn’t lose on Sunday, coach Bob Stevenson explained. "We came in second."

This is Stevenson’s first year back from coaching since 1999 and he said that he joined a team that had already mastered the basics.

"It was just a matter of taking what they had done and continuing to work with it," he said.

Under Stevenson’s direction, the team finished 13-6 this season, a record he feels they should be proud of. The Bombers made it to Sunday’s sectionals after beating Sullivan West at home in three games, 25-20, 25-15 and 25-18.

"The difference in the two matches was solely the opponent," Stevenson explained. "Rhinebeck is much more experienced, sophisticated and a more athletic team than Sullivan West."

Stevenson commended senior Cassandra Inserillo and freshman Mikala McCauley for their impressive play this season.

"They were the best setters, the best hitters and probably the most experienced. In my opinion they’re two of the best players in the league. They were the ones who constantly put up the numbers."

As for next season, there are three seniors graduating, but enough of a returning core to expect strong performances from the Bombers come 2010.

"I think we’re going to have some tough people to replace, but on the other hand, as we proved yesterday [against Rhinebeck], we’re going to have some excellent people to take their place. I think we’re going to be a strong team next year."