This season’s MYHSAL girls volleyball championships featured a doubleheader of Ma’ayanot vs. Frisch. Both the junior varsity and varsity finalists were the Rapids and Cougars, respectively. So the two schools met on neutral ground (SAR High School in Riverdale) in front of an overflow crowd in the hundreds for a night of heart-pounding, all-star level competition.
Frisch took the JV championship, two sets to one. The Cougars (5-2 regular season) won the first set on strong serves and play. Ma’ayanot (8-0 regular season) stormed back to take the second set 21-15. But the Rapids could not overcome great teamwork by Frisch, losing the final set 21-12.
Frisch sophomore Joelle Kuperman served 11 aces in the match, and sophomore middle hitter Shirah Abrahams had eight kills.
Right afterwards, the varsity girls took the court. Ma’ayanot (9-1 regular season) jumped out to a quick lead and never really looked back. The first set was very close (21-18), but the Cougars were unable to overcome intense serving and play by Ma’ayanot, dropping the next sets 21-11 and 21-14.
Both schools were well represented in the stands. In fact, dozens of fans either stood or sat on the floor for the duration of the game once the gym seats filled completely up. But no one regretted watching top-notch volleyball from four remarkable teams to end a memorable season.
