Wade Klinger got the Panthers off to a good start in the second game with his serving, while Connor Cockroft dominated the net, and the Panthers jumped out to an 8-0 lead. Just as they did in the first, the Indians fought back and tied the game at 9-9. Coxsackie-Athens kept their run going and continued to extend their lead to 19-12. With all momentum going the way of C-A, Klingler picked up a big side-out block to pull within 6. That was as close as the Panthers would get as they dropped the second set as well.

In the third and final set, the Indians left no doubt and jumped all over the Panthers at the start of the game. Chatham fought back but never got closer than 6 in the sweep.

Senior Connor Cockroft led the way with 9 kills, 5 blocks, 3 service points, and 4 digs. Fellow seniors Simon Day finished with 7 kills, 16 digs, 3 service points, and 1 block, while Kevin Meyers finished with 9 kills, 3 blocks, and a dig. Adam Scaglione finished the game with 7 kills and 3 blocks, while junior Nick Faxon racked up 14 assists.

“It’s our second year in a row making it to the sectionals finals. [Last year Chatham won.] That says a lot about the players and our program,” said Chatham coach Matt Torrey via email. “Our seniors and what they contribute will be missed,” he continued. “We look forward to next year and a very talented group of returning team members. The returning kids are already asking about open gyms so I guess that’s a good sign.

“Thanks also to the families and the fans for the support that is always there.”

Dramatic save by Coxsackie-Athens leads to a point for them on a kill