It’s been almost a year since Rome Free Academy got the best of New Hartford in a five-set Section III Class A final thriller.
For coach Bill Gardinier and the Spartans, this game is in the rearview mirror. Attention now turns to this year’s squad as it looks to return to the sectional championship games.
Despite the shift in mindset, New Hartford still got some redemption Thursday with a 3-1 victory over RFA in a Tri-Valley League Colonial Division matchup of undefeated teams.
The Spartans handed the Black Knights their first loss of the season. RFA’s 22-game winning streak, which began exactly before January 16, 2025, has ended.
“It was a good win for us,” Gardinier said. “We’re a different team this year. I told the girls tonight they played well and were focused, but this was only the 11th game for us. We’ll see (RFA) a few more times this season. That could include other sectionals.”
Thursday’s match brought the first set to the Spartans 25:22. The Black Knights came back to take the second set, 27-25, to tie the match at 1-1.
New Hartford went on to take the third and fourth sets 25-19 and 25-15 to close out the contest.
“RFA is a phenomenal team,” Gardinier said. “If we played them 18 games a season, I’d let them play 18 games a season. It’s a lot of fun to watch when these teams go against each other.”
Ashlee Fisher finished with 20 kills, 32 digs, a block and an ace for the Spartans. Keegan Matthews chipped in 22 kills, six blocks, 19 digs and five aces. Clare Colantuoni collected 60 assists Riley Heenan provided 38 digs and two aces.
Also for New Hartford, Leah Brennan and Avery Evans each had four blocks. Lena Qandahová added 12 kills, Norah Galiulo tallied 21 digs and Aviva Lampert contributed three aces.
“In places where RFA made a drive and cut it to one or two points, we kept our composure,” Gardinier said. “We stayed together and helped each other. They did that especially in the third and fourth sets.”
Gardinier noted that the Spartans’ seniors this season fondly remember the games against the Black Knights in years past.
Those seniors, Gardinier added, hold the team together with hopes of returning to the sectional final.
“The girls have been enjoying volleyball the last few games,” Gardinier said. “They play with a lot of energy. The seniors lead them into battle.”
New Hartford, now 11-0 on the season, will take on Vernon Verona Sherrill on Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.
The game against the Red Devils will kick off a six-game stretch in eight days for the Spartans.
“It’s going to be a big test. We’ve got some big days ahead of us,” Gardinier said. “I think if we keep getting better in practice, we’ll be fine.
The Black Knights (12-1) host Watertown on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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New Hartford Girls Volleyball Vs. Rome Free Academy
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