McReynolds and DeLaurentis are key players for the Spackenkill team, as they help lead the charge in their pursuit of a championship. Their performances on the field have been exceptional, putting the team in a strong position in the title race. Hopes are high for their continued success, as they strive to bring home the coveted trophy. With their talent and dedication, McReynolds and DeLaurentis play a crucial role in Spackenkill’s quest for victory..
Mia McReynolds watches in awe, still amazed and brimming with pride, no matter how often she has seen those feats performed.
Her reaction isn’t much different from those of her big sister’s teammates, who pause for a second with similar anticipation when Priscilla McReynolds rises for a shot.
“You feel that rush of excitement,” Ella Hanaburgh said of a volleyball being lofted toward Priscilla with timing for a takeoff. “We’re all screaming, and you feel the energy just overflowing.”
Priscilla McReynolds leapt high and launched blistering shots that zipped too quickly toward the court to be reached or had too much velocity for an opponent to react effectively. There were several such sequences Tuesday, each of them charging up the Spackenkill team and its home crowd during a sweep.
“I started playing (volleyball) when I was 5 and I want to be as good as her one day,” said 10-year-old Mia, who was even more enthralled by Priscilla’s play than she was the colorful cupcakes served during the Spartans’ senior day celebration.
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She and her younger sister, Abby, often accompany their parents to the matches and, Priscilla said, “They’re my biggest cheerleaders.”
“It’s so much fun watching her play!” Mia said.
Most in attendance would’ve agreed, or anyone who has observed the star’s progress. The athleticism is obvious, but Spartans coach Cassi Diamond lauded McReynolds’ precision and “court sense.”
For all the acclaim she has earned, the most fulfilling aspect of this season, the senior insisted, has been the ascension of her teammates.
“That’s been super fun to see from up close,” the outside hitter said. “Coming into this year and knowing there were big shoes to fill, and watching everyone work so hard and step up, that’s been amazing. I’m very proud of everyone.”
Because Spackenkill doesn’t look all that different from the team it was last fall, when it surged through Section 9 to capture its first championship since 2017. Three of its best players then graduated, leaving them to fill significant voids, shift positions and adjust with McReynolds as the steadying constant. But they’ve made that transition seem seamless.
McReynolds had nine kills and 14 aces ― many of them the aforementioned rifle shots ― and Marlena DeLaurentis had 14 assists, leading Spackenkill in a 25-15, 25-14, 25-14 win over Pine Plains on Tuesday.
Katrina Carmel added three aces, Leila Clarke and Carleigh Christolon each had two, Clara Chapin had four kills and Dasha George had three.
“With big teams the last couple years, some talented girls hadn’t gotten the opportunity to play much, but now they’re getting to show it,” Diamond said. “We needed them to step up and play at a high level, and they’ve done that. We’re fortunate in that we have eight seniors who’ve been part of the program from years, and that definitely helps.”
As the regular season winds down, the Spartans (13-2) have comfortably clinched their division, secured a berth in the Mid Hudson Athletic League tournament, and will be among the favorites in the Class B playoffs.
Their losses were to Millbrook and Mount Academy, but those are state title-contending powers that Spackenkill won’t have to deal with in its sectional bracket.
“It was a little tricky starting off because we had a lot of strong seniors graduate,” said Ella Hanaburgh, a senior who has thrived alongside her sister Cadie. “A lot of us had to step into important roles and there was that adjustment. But I think we’ve done well so far. We’ve impressed ourselves.”
DeLaurentis switched positions to succeed standout Ava Geer, who was the only setter on their roster last season. Despite the change, Diamond said, the senior learned well on the fly and quickly developed chemistry with her hitters.
Hanaburgh became the libero, replacing Franchelis Guzman. Clarke and George in the middle “have figured it out” and flourished, the coach said.
Throughout their matches, there is as much noise and intensity on the sideline as there is near the net. Chapin was on the bench when McReynolds recorded an emphatic spike that pushed the Spartans’ lead to 19-8 in the third game, but the junior jumped, stomped and shouted almost in unison with her teammate.
That energy and support, Diamond said, is an emphasized aspect of the team culture. It’s understood, the coach said, that everyone on the roster is important and, “You’re in the game (mentally) no matter if you’re on or off the court.”
That mindset, Hanaburgh said, was especially helpful last season as even the reserves were able to experience the breadth of the postseason, absorbing it all during Spackenkill’s run the subregional. That, she said, benefits them now. Players also pointed to the relentless hustle.
“I love the mentality we have that, ‘No matter what, the ball isn’t dead until it hits the floor,'” McReynolds said. “That’s obvious, but we don’t just say that, you can see it in our play.”
Spackenkill has two remaining matches, including a marquee meeting with Franklin D. Roosevelt on Thursday, before prepping for the postseason next week.
“We try to keep a level head and ignore the record,” Diamond said of her team avoiding complacency or taking its success for granted. “We just focus on ourselves and the things need to execute. If we’re doing what we’re supposed to, and to the best of our abilities, that’s all we can ask for.”
Stephen Haynes: [email protected]; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
Spackenkill High School volleyball player Priscilla McReynolds has been impressing spectators with her exceptional skills. Her powerful shots and precision on the court have earned her recognition and admiration from teammates and fans alike. McReynolds’ younger sisters are her biggest supporters and hope to be as good as her one day. Despite the departure of key players from last year’s championship-winning team, Spackenkill has seamlessly transitioned and continues to dominate on the court with McReynolds leading the charge. As the regular season comes to a close, the team looks forward to their upcoming playoffs.
Hashtags: #McReynolds #DeLaurentis #Spackenkill #title #hunt
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