Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25:
For the second consecutive year in a row, Kellenberg’s Girls Varsity Volleyball team took home the title of CHSAA State Champions.
The Lady Firebirds have been sweeping wins all across Long Island this season, tallying up an undefeated score of 14-0. After beating St. John the Baptist in the semifinals round, the girls secured their bid for the Sunday, November 3rd game.
Going up against St. Anthony’s, the Lady Firebirds knew they were in for an adrenalizing yet challenging game. They were not necessarily focused on outcomes but on performing their best. “This was all about the idea of not worrying about what the score is,” shares Coach Von. “We were concentrating on the individual point and to play to the best of our abilities which was rooted in trusting the process and not focusing on the outcome.”
The Lady Firebirds pushed through setbacks during the game to anchor down a win in only three sets. Senior Stella Becker fearlessly led her team, keeping a streak of 19 kills scored throughout the game. Forging through the tight match, seniors Amelia Felice and Bianca Sapano combined for 37 assists, boosting the team’s morale. Senior Alexis Gerstein’s defense of the backcourt and Julianna Lucie’s service receptions set the girls up for success and aided in their 25-18 win. Angela Bush’s serve behind the service line secured the last three points of the game, making the girls champions against St. Anthony’s.
Senior Stella Becker, awardee of the Karen Andreone Offensive Player of the Year, shares, “As a senior, the opportunity to win the title once more feels so amazing. It brings success to the program and a sense of pride to our school.”
From there, the girls were prepared to play at the following weekend’s match on Saturday, November 9th, where they were one of four schools fighting for the title.
Starting off with a win against Maria Regina in the semifinal round, the girls’ outstanding performance advanced them to face St. Marys of Buffalo. Within the first set, Stella Becker dominated the court and tallied her 1,000 career kills. In this match, senior Alexis Gerstien and Julianna Lucie pulled off thirty digs aiding in their victory, Josephine Speciale accounted for five consecutive kills in game three. Bianca Sapano crushed the ball for the last point, winning the NY State Catholic High School Championship for Kellenberg.
The entire Kellenberg community is exceptionally proud of the girls and Head Coach von Schoenermarck’s leadership and dedication this season.
