On Friday night of November 4, 2016, the Ossining Varsity Girl’s Volleyball Team took home the Section 1 Class AA title in a match against Ursuline at Hendrick Hudson High School. Ossining Pride swept the playoffs and ended the final winning three straight sets in their 25-16, 25-22, 26-24 victory over Ursuline. Fans filled the seats of the Hendrick Hudson gymnasium, eager to watch the team’s star player Mychael Vernon dominate the game with her kills. Ossining students and families very loudly cheered on their team and made the trip to the Section 1 Class AA final to support their Varsity Girls Volleyball team, who have not claimed a title in 11 years.

The Section 1 Class AA final was definitely a match to watch. Ossining fans seated themselves in the bleachers, holding up posters that read “Let’s Go Pride”, showing their support for the team. Ossining High School even arranged a fan bus to take those who wished to see the game but had no other transportation to Hendrick Hudson High School. The team overall played a successful match with Mychael Vernon–a freshman who has been on the team since the 7th grade–dominating the ball over the net. The crowd cheered her on as to get her in her comfort zone when approaching the ball. Coach Riccardi was very pleased with the outcome of the match, honoring not only Mychael but all the other players on the team as well.

Unfortunately, Ossining’s winning streak came to an end on November 8, 2016 at the Class AA Girls Volleyball regional semifinal. Pride took on Minisink Valley at SUNY Ulster coming to a loss in four sets 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 28-26. The team left SUNY Ulster disappointed but knowing almost surely that they would be coming back next year.

The Ossining Varsity Girls Volleyball team this year has overall had a successful season. The team consisting of many underclassmen plans to claim a title next year in 2017 fall season. Coach Riccardi has great hopes for next year as the team will only be graduating one starting senior, Molly Haag, and the majority of the team will be returning. The team hopes to learn from their past experiences and mistakes to get a taste of the state championship once again. Ossining has gained a new reputation, other than having an undefeated Girls Basketball team in Section 1 since 2011, in volleyball and will strive with this new reputation the next coming season.