North Salem volleyball fights for the finish in section title showdown

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Last year, the Tigers brought the section title home to North Salem for the first time in 30 years.

One year later, the squad found itself in familiar territory against a familiar foe.

Once again, the section championship came down to a Tiger tussle between top ranked Tuckahoe and second-seed North Salem.

While North Salem had their rival’s number a year ago, the rematch on Nov. 8 at the Westchester County Center would not have the same storybook ending.

The matchup got off to a rocky start for the Tigers, with injuries to seniors Grace Barbarosa and Sophia Miller and the squad dropping the first set 25-16.

While Barbarosa would sit out the remainder of the game, Miller would return and help turn the tide for North Salem as they earned 25-17 and 25-21 wins to pull ahead.

Just as quickly as the momentum had shifted in North Salem’s favor, the opposing Tigers refused to go quietly with a 25-11 win in the fourth set.

Like their championship game a year ago, the section title would be decided with the fifth and final set.

For North Salem, the magic ran out and a championship repeat was not in the cards as the Tigers dropped the deciding frame 15-5.

With the season complete, the squad will bid farewell to seniors Grace Barbarosa, Fayth Gonzalez, Sadie Matt, Josie Maza, Ally Maza, and Sophia Miller.