By Phoenix Reporter Nicholas Cortese ’23:
In front of a sea of blue and gold which transformed Molloy College into the Kellenberg home court, Maggie Caffrey launched a sizzling serve at 24-22 and proceeded to set Rebecca Meier for the final kill that brought the 2019 championship home to Glenn Curtiss as the Firebirds toppled the 15-0 undefeated St. Anthony’s Friars in 4 sets on Tuesday, November 5: 25-15; 25- 19; 23-25; 25-22.
With the backing of the Kellenberg family and “The Big Three” who filled the stands, the Firebirds put together their finest effort of the year with a balanced attack, featuring 8 kills from Emily Acimovic, Carly Kane, Teresa Moulder, and Samantha Lombardi, off an array of fast-tempo sets. Denying St. Anthony’s its traditional point-scoring opportunities, the defense controlled, dove, and twisted their bodies to scrap up 56 digs, thanks to the inspired play of Krista Handler, Alyssa Romeo, and Meg Monaghan. And with the contest locked at 23-all, Caffrey willed the final two points into Kellenberg column by serving tough and generating 2 of her 36 assists on the night in an MVP performance. To cap off the sensational evening for the Firebirds, senior outside hitter, Emily Acimovic, also garnered the award for NSCHSGAA Player of the Year.
The State Tournament will take place this Saturday at York College, and Kellenberg will be the lone representative of the Nassau-Suffolk Catholic League. Thanks again to all family, friends, and faculty who provided that extra edge to push the ‘Birds over the top when they needed it most. Tune in next week for state results.
