It proved to be a defining moment for Roadrunner volleyball stars Dominique Marcano and Katie Burrichter and their head coach Rebecca Pierson.
The trio has been together nearly three years as an amazing program, bond and chemistry developed. That bond culminated in Saturday's 3-0 Region 19 championship win over visiting Harrisburg Area Community College, earning the Roadrunners the school's first-ever trip to the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament!
In surprising fashion against a quality opponent, the Runners swept the three sets by scores of 25-6, 25-23, and 25-17.
"This was awesome and we're all so excited," said Marcano, a former GCIT standout. "We were all confident coming in, but getting to this moment is special!"
Agreed, noted teammate Katie Burrichter.
"Unbelievable!" shouted Burrichter following the win as she hugged family and friends. "After going through this starting with the first year and now finally making it -- this feels great!!"
Head Coach Rebecca Pierson, who watched the team lose 3 of their finaL 5 matches to finish the regular season, helped the players make adjustments prior to the Region 19 Tournament. The Runners blanked Montgomery County (PA) in the opening round.
"It's such an accomplishment -- and it's not like any of these teams that we've played aren't good; they're all talented," said the veteran coach. "There was always a chance we wouldn't make it (this far), but after that down stretch, we did make adjustments. These girls deserve this celebration today!"
After easily winning the first set by a 25-6 final, the Runner met their toughest challenge in Set 2 when the visiting Hawks made a run to pull to within 24-23. But solid play by Burrichter, Marcano and their teammates around the net secured the key win.
"The first set was surprising, but might have been the perk of having a home match since they (Harrisburg) had to drive 2 hours to get here," Pierson commented. "But we played phenomenal throughout the match."
Following the triumph, players gathered for a team photo followed by a celebration pix in which they hoisted the championship plaque.
Photo Slideshow:
Watch for more details on the upcoming NJCAA D-III National Championship Tournament.
https://rcsjphotos.smugmug.com/GCC-SPORTS/RCGC-VOLLEYBALL/VB-vs-Harrisburg-CC-103021/n-6N6W3G/
MATCH PREVIEW
Region 19 Champions! Roadrunner Volleyball Coach Rebecca Pierson watched her team race out to a 13-0 start -- and then everything caved in during the final portion of the regular season when they lost 3 of 5 matches.
"It might have been a blessing," said Pierson, whose 16-3 Roadrunner face off at home Saturday vs. a tough opponent in Harrisburg Area Community College with the winner advancing to the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. "The players learned they can't stop working hard. If you stop working hard in games and practices, you'll get beat. They've been able to turn it around and get back down to business."
The Runners have won their last two matches, a regular season win over County College of Morris and a decisive playoff triumph over Montgomery County (PA), giving the team high hopes heading into this championship match vs. HACC.
The Region playoff match starts at 1 pm, and if the Runners win, it will be the first time in school history the school qualifies for the National Tournament. The Runners enter with a 16-3 overall record and tje No. 2 seed, having disposed of No. 7 Montgomery County College in the opening round. The No. 3 seed Hawks enter the match with a 10-4 overall record, including a 4-match win streak. HACC blanked Middlesex in the opening round of the Region playoffs by a 3-0 score.
RCSJ has relied on a number of top-flight players, including veterans Katie Burrichter (libero), Summer Wroniuk (libero), Dominique Marcano (setter), and Devon Calhoun (outside hitter) among others.
Pierson has watched film of Harrisburg-Area CC, and has seen that her opponent mirrors her own team at literally every position. The Hawks' top players include outside hitter Kendall Wales, middle hitter Saralynn Patterson and setter Kyla Kolivoski.
"Harrisburg-Area appears to match up with our skill sets very well," said Coach Pierson. "They play consistently well and don't make a lot of mistakes. When they get behind, they just remain steady and have shown they can make a comeback. They are a very tough opponent for us."
Game will be live-streamed via the Region 19 Sports Network and http://RCRoadrunners.com.