By Harold Gutmann
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: December 12, 2004)

Middle hitter Patricia Vernon helped lead Ossining to its first sectional title and also earned a full scholarship to Temple with an outstanding senior season on the volleyball court. (Rory Glaeseman/Journal News file photo.)

Like most students at Ossining, Patricia Vernon entered the high school three years ago and didn't even know there was a volleyball team.

Vernon, now a 6-foot senior, was focused on soccer, the sport she had played since fourth grade. But first-year volleyball coach Victor Olmedo noticed her height and convinced her to try out for his team.

From those meager beginnings Ossining and Vernon have seen their stock rise exponentially each year. It culminated this season as the program won its first sectional championship, and Vernon earned a full scholarship to Temple.

"It's exactly what I wanted," said Vernon, The Journal News player of the year. "All our hard work paid off, our hard practices — we're just really happy."

The middle hitter collected 337 kills — the second-most in Section 1 — to go along with 65 aces and 53 blocks. She averaged more than 20 kills a match in the sectional tournament as the RiverHawks swept all three of their opponents to win the Class AA championship.

"This was not her first sport, and for her to be considered the best player in the sport in four years is an amazing feat," Olmedo said.

Vernon bulked up physically and in experience over the offseason, which included stints with the Downstate Volleyball Club and the Empire State Games scholastic team.

"She became a much more proficient hitter," Olmedo said. "Before it was, hit the ball as hard as you can and let it land anywhere. Now it's more refined."

Hitting, blocking and serving weren't all that Vernon brought to the team. She also contributed to Ossining's historic achievements — which included a League I-B title, the top seed in Class AA and a 3-0 win over defending champion Clarkstown South in the semifinals — through her leadership and determination.

"It just emanated out of her, and the other players saw it and knew as long as Trish was in the game, they had a chance to win," Olmedo said.

With the score tied 22-22 in the third game of the sectional final against John Jay, a fatigued Vernon collapsed on the court. After Ossining called timeout, Vernon collected herself, went back to the bench and delivered an impassioned speech to the rest of the players. The RiverHawks finished off the Indians four points later, capping off a magical senior season for Vernon. The RiverHawks lost to Pine Bush of Section 9 3-0 in the regional final.

If Vernon has one regret, it's that she didn't pick up the sport until Olmedo, her middle-school Spanish teacher, pushed her into it.

"I wish someone would have gotten me to play when I was younger — I probably would have been so much better," Vernon said.

To that end, Patricia's father, R.A., just formed a club for younger girls, Venom Sports, and has started running clinics for middle-schoolers in Ossining. After seeing Vernon work with the younger players this season, Olmedo wouldn't be surprised if the senior eventually became a coach herself when her playing career is over.

"It's amazing how quickly she learned this game in 3 1/2 years," Olmedo said. "She's going to be a pretty good coach once everything is said and done. She knows the game and she's able to impart that knowledge."

Reach Harold Gutmann at hgutmann@thejournalnews.gannett.com or 914-696-8568.

The rest of the first team

Sarah Collins, John Jay

The outside hitter was one of the area's most versatile players. She was terrific at hitting, setting, digging and serving, and she combined her athleticism with great maturity on the court as Collins led the Indians to the Class AA sectional title match.

Alysha Fanning, Hen Hud

The junior was an integral part of the Sailors' powerful attack. She was always smiling between points, but when she got the ball, she was one of the most intimidating and aggressive middle hitters in the section, and her 91 blocks were the second-most in the area.

Michelle Grasso, Haldane

The junior averaged more than 15 digs a game for the second straight year as the Blue Devils' libero. She always put herself in the right spot, and her defense was essential as the Blue Devils won the Class C sectional title.

Lynne Principio, Ardsley

The Panthers' outside hitter was an outstanding all-around player — she finished with 295 kills, 146 digs, 57 aces and a 92 serving percentage.The senior excelled at getting kills at the most critical junctures as the team won its third straight sectional title in Class B.

Andrea Reiff, Westlake

Besides being dominant at the net, the senior middle hitter was one of the most selfless players in the section. When the team needed a setter, Reiff accepted the challenge, though she was so valuable on defense that she was quickly switched back.

Maggie Wright, Hen Hud

The senior setter had perhaps the most difficult job in Section 1 — running the fastest offense in the area — and she excelled. The George Washington-bound Wright was also phenomenal on defense and serving, and was a great role model for her team.

Coach of the year

Diane Swertfager, Hen Hud

With five straight sectional titles, Swertfager has turned Hen Hud into the area's premier program. Yet she outdid herself this year, guiding the Sailors to within one game of the state championship. The team lost only one match until a 3-2 loss to Burnt Hills (Section 2) in the Class A state title match: Hen Hud was the first Section 1 team to make a state final in four years.