The sweep lifted Beekmantown to 3–1 and sent an early message in a rivalry that once again looks like it will run through the postseason.

A year ago, Plattsburgh won both regular-season meetings before Beekmantown flipped the script in the sectional final. That backdrop — along with the razor-thin margins in all three sets — gave Thursday’s match a postseason feel despite being only September.

From the opening whistle, neither team gave an inch. The Hornets matched the Eagles rally for rally, keeping every frame within striking distance. But when the points tightened, Beekmantown made the plays that mattered most.

The Eagles took the opener 25–20, followed by a gritty 25–21 second set that swung on back-row defense. The finale was the closest of the night, a back-and-forth battle Beekmantown finally closed out, 25–23, behind clutch serving and net play.

“PHS is a solid team,” Eagles head coach Abby Bone said. “We’re excited to be able to pull off the win in three, but know there’s still more work to be done.”

Junior hitter Sophia Kenyon was a force, posting eight kills, 10 digs, two blocks, and two aces. Julia Conroy added five kills and a match-best 14 digs, giving the Eagles stability in both the front and back row.

“Julia is a steady presence, and Sophia’s all-around game makes her a force at the net,” Bone said.

Beekmantown’s setters kept the attack balanced. Ava Dauphinais handed out 11 assists, while Sawyer Fleming added nine. From the service line, Mia Perez and Kylie Bishop each delivered three aces, with Kenyon adding two more.

On defense, Gabby Vassar provided the anchor and leadership that doesn’t always show up in the box score. “Our setters’ ability to run the offense and Gabby’s rock-solid defense are things we couldn’t succeed without,” Bone noted.

For the Eagles, this was more than just another early-season win. With both teams eyeing another deep postseason run, Thursday’s sweep was a reminder of how thin the margins are in this rivalry. Every set was decided by five points or fewer, and the Hornets pushed Beekmantown wire to wire.

“This was a great step for us,” Bone said. “But it’s still early, and there’s plenty more to come.”

Beekmantown improved to 3–1 and will travel on Tuesday, September to face NCCS. The Hornets will have another chance when the Eagles visit on October 16 — a rematch that already feels like must-see volleyball.

(Note: Many PSN stories are drafted with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence and coach questionnaires, but all factual reporting, onsite observations, insight into what happened and why, interviews, and final editing is provided by Potassium Sports Network staff. For post-game video interviews, athletes are asked for their consent and coaches confirm participation. For more details, please visit https://potassiumsportsnetwork.com/about-psn).