Albion spikers will host Dunkirk Tuesday in sectional opener

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kelsee Soule and her Albion teammates will host Dunkirk Tuesday to open Section VI Class B2 volleyball playoff competition.

Looking to keep the momentum from a second straight successful 12-0 Niagara-Orleans League championship campaign, No. 2 seed Albion will begin Section VI playoff action by hosting No. 7 Dunkirk at 6 p.m. Tuesday in a Class B2 quarterfinal contest.

“You have to come to play every day as in sectionals there is no tomorrow,” said Albion Coach Anne Capacci. “I always tell them there is no game more important than the one you are playing so hopefully we will come out an execute.”

Albion is led by a quartet of players who were starters on last year’s squad which advanced to the sectional finals. That veteran foursome includes senior Sara Millspaugh, juniors Kelsee Soule and Meghan Hurley and sophomore Chanyce Powell. The Purple Eagles also have playoff experience in senior Olivia Neidert and junior Aleah Foos.

“Having experience like that is a plus,” said Capacci whose Purple Eagles have advanced to the finals three of the last four years capturing the title in 2011. Albion lost in the finals to Eden in 2010 and to Starpoint last year.

The winner of Tuesday’s match will advance to Thursday’s semifinal against the winner of the No. 6 Pioneer vs. No. 3 East Aurora quarterfinal.

In a Class C1 quarterfinal match Tuesday No. 7 Medina will visit No. 2 City Honors at 6 p.m. The Mustangs opened sectional competition with a three set win over Roy-Hart last Friday.