Article written by Phoenix writer Ryleigh O’Neill ’28
Inside a packed St. Dom’s gym, the Girls’ JV Volleyball team wrote a championship story worthy of the big screen, defeating Sacred Heart for their third league championship in a row.
The Firebirds stepped onto the court to face league rival Sacred Heart Academy with the title on the line. But the opening scene did not go as planned.
Four early misfires from the front row put the team on its heels. This is when Dolores Speciale came in clutch when she helped the girls claw their way back. However, with such a lack of momentum on the Firebird side, Sacred Heart took control of the first set. The Firebirds fell 15 to 25.
Most teams would have crumbled or given up, but not this team. Even with the scoreboard against them, the girls walked back to the huddle with fire still in their eyes. There was no panic, no doubt, only determination.
Set two was a completely different story. The Firebirds flipped the script, found their rhythm, and turned the gym into a movie moment. With crisp setting, fearless swings, and unstoppable defense, Kellenberg took the second set 25 to 17; the crowd was on its feet.
With the championship coming down to the final set, the Firebirds were ready for their final act. Every dig, serve, and swing mattered. The girls refused to let their rivals back in, and, with a final burst of energy, they won the third set 25 to 19, claiming the championship title.
Leading the charge in this unforgettable performance were our consistent forces at the net and the back line. Chloe Belvedere, Gabby Pota, Charleigh Durnan, Emma Pratt, Lauren Essien and Ella Johnson battled up front with key kills and blocks that changed the momentum of the match. Jill DeCandia and Michelle Cabrera ran the offense with poise and smart decision making. On the back line, Libby McDermott, Bella Steininger, and Josephine Murphy were the defensive anchors who kept the ball off the floor and the Firebirds alive.
Sophomore Hailey Larmann said, “By the time the championship game came, we didn’t want it to end. We were determined from the beginning, and the energy was high, even when we weren’t in our home gym.”
Together, they wrote the ending they have been chasing all season.
