Pelham Prepares to Block Owego in Regional

Pelham has returned to is roots in preparation for its New York State Volleyball Championship Class B Regional against Section 4 champion Owego.

The Section 1 titlist Pelicans has focused on the basics as they get ready to meet Owego, Thursday, 7 p.m., at Elmira Southside High School.

The winner advances to the regional final, Saturday, 2 p.m., against Section 9 champion Red Hook at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson.

“We are practicing the little things that we know we can control, no matter who we play,” said senior captain Meghan McDonough. “We are staying positive in practice and everything that we do is going to help us Thursday.”

McDonough explained that Pelham is aware of Owego’s two good middle blockers. Pelham can answer that with its collective blocking prowess. In its sectional-final sweep of Eastchester, Pelham controlled the net and negated Eastchester’s hitters.

“This has been our best blocking year,” McDonough said. “We feel we are even stronger this year.”

Going against their blockers in practice has helped Pelham prepare for Owego’s two middle blockers.

“We have been focusing on remembering all of the different types of offense we run out of the middle to combat their middle hitters,” McDonough said.

Pelham is hoping to continue this championship season. The Pelicans are not looking ahead, but their goal is Glens Falls and the state final four.

“We definitely don’t want this to end,” McDonough said. “We want the season to go as long as we possibly can.”

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