Massena Raiders Win Section 10 Volleyball Championship

By Andy Gardner.

MASSENA – The Massena Raiders won the 2024 Section 10 overall volleyball title.

They beat Madrid-Waddington in the Saturday, Nov. 9 semi-final 3-0 by scores of 25-19, 25-17, and 25-19. The Raiders then advanced to the final and downed Ogdensburg Free Academy 3-0 with scores of 25-13, 25-23, and 25-16.

In the semifinal, Kaniehtentha Thompson tallied 10 service points, 5 aces, 12 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 assists. Madden Herne netted 1 service points, 2 kills, and 2 assists. Reannon Lazore fashioned 7 service points, 3 aces, 1 kills, and 3 assists. Katelyn Benham scored 4 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, and 20 assists. Nylah Tillman performed 7 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills, 1 assist, and 1 dig. Adrianna Summers tallied a kill and Abigail LaBarge had 3 kills. Lauren Park made 11 service points, 4 aces, and 8 kills.

In the final game, Kaniehtentha Thompson scored 12 service points, 1 ace, 7 kills, and 2 blocks. Madden Herne scored 8 service points, 3 aces, and 2 kills. Reannon Lazore tallied 7 service points,3 kills, and 1 dig. Katelyn Benham recorded 4 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills, and 19 assists. Nylah Tillman contributed 12 service points. Adrianna Summers netted 3 kills. Lauren Park scored 3 service points, 2 aces, 8 kills, and 1 assist.

Massena earned their chance at the Section 10 title after beating the Malone Huskies in the Section 10 Class A final on Wednesday, Nov. 6. They won 3-0 with set scores of 25-19, 25-13, and 25-14.

Thompson recorded 4 service points, 2 aces, 8 kills, 4 blocks, and 3 assists. Lazore tallied 13 service points, 5 aces, 3 kills, and 3 assists. Herne scored 3 service points, 1 ace, and 1 kill. Benham 5 service points, 3 aces, 3 kills, and 14 assists. Tillman fashioned 7 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, and had "an outstanding defensive outing," Coach Nicole Deshaies said. Park pitched in 6 service points, 1 ace, and 10 kills. Summers fashioned 2 kills. Pryce had 2 service points "and a great defensive effort," the coach said.

In addition to the Section 10 title, Massena was awarded the 2024 Stephanie Putney Memorial Volleyball Sportsmanship Award for the year.

MVP of the East Division was awarded to senior setter Katelyn Benham. First-team All Northern was awarded to Junior Kaniehtentha Thompson. Second team All Northern awards went to Nylah Tillman and Lauren Park. Addison Point and Adrianna Summers were honored as Athletes of Distinction. Coach Nicole Deshaies was awarded the East Division Coach of the Year.

The Massena team also presented a $3,500 check to the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund.

"At the beginning of the season, our team was determined to bring together Section 10 volleyball teams and raise awareness of breast cancer. We challenged every team to help us raise money by selling Pink breast cancer shirts. The teams, families, and community members of the North Country accepted the challenge!" Coach Deshaies said. "This contribution was made possible through the generous support of our community and the dedicated efforts of our team. Thank you Joey Shelly for coming here to accept this check! We hope that this donation will make a significant impact in helping to support others that are in need."

"Overall this was a memorable day for the Massena Lady Raiders. We have had tremendous grit and determination this season. I am extremely proud of each and every one of these girls!" Deshaies said.