For the girls Northstars, the task was tougher against West Genesee, as it trailed 2-0 in games before rallying to win in five.
Having lost its opener to Baldwinsville two nights earlier, CNS appeared fated to go 0-2 for the season when the Wildcats won each of the first two games by equal margins of 25-16.
The third game proved close – and when the Northstars won it, 25-21, it seized momentum and never gave it up. Gradually wearing WG down, CNS won the fourth game 25-17 and the fifth game 25-15 to complete its resurrection.
On an active front line, Morgan Pratte gained 13 kills. Deanna Zbikowski showed her versatility with 10 kills, 15 assists and five aces, while Alex Silfer and Erica Thompson matched Zbikowski’s 10-kill output. Meghan Ross earned 27 assists. WG had Megan Derks earn 19 assists, to go with three kills and three blocks.
Meanwhile, at Fayetteville-Manlius, the CNS boys volleyball team had to make two different comebacks against the Hornets.
Beaten 25-22 in a close first game, the Northstars rebounded and won the second game 25-18, only to fall behind again as F-M claimed the third game 25-21.
Sensing some urgency, CNS dominated the fourth game, 25-10, and earned all the key points in the fifth and final game to win the match 25-23.
Jim Coleman piled up 39 assists in the course of the whole night. Eric Munoz piled up 23 kills, while Tyler Smith notched 12 kills, three aces, three blocks and two aces. C.J. Patzer had seven kills and three blocks, as Taylor Michael contributed six kills.
A day earlier, the CNS boys fell to Rochester McQuaid 25-11, 25-13, 25-15. Munoz had five kills, with Patzer and Brendan Ryan each getting two kills. Smith posted nine assists.
