The saying goes that it is hard to beat a team three times in the same season. A back-and-forth battle between No. 3 Vestal and No. 1 Union-Endicott exemplified that statement. After five sets, the Golden Bears bested the Tigers, earning their first victory over their crosstown rival in the three matches this season. 

Vestal overcame an 8-4 deficit in the fifth set to clinch the win, marking the team's third consecutive sectional title. 

The Golden Bears took the sets 25-22, 21-25, 26-24, 25-27 and 15-11.

Haley Russell dished out 38 assists while Aubrey Baker impressed with 21 kills, two blocks and 16 digs. Leila Toric contributed two aces. 

"All day the girls really fought hard and never gave up," Vestal head coach Joe Nemecek said. "We lost twice during the regular season to UE but we came into the day with confidence."

Vestal now moves to the Class AA regionals. They will meet an opponent from either Section I or Section IX at Chenango Valley High School. 

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PHOTO BY ANTHONY GOSS