FALLSBURG – In front of an energized home crowd and the emotional backdrop of Senior Night, the stage was set for the Fallsburg Comets’ final game of the 2025 season. Seniors Zoey Ketcham, Maddy Pantel, and Nayelis Martinez were honored before taking the court one last time, determined to finish strong against the visiting Liberty Redhawks.

Both teams entered the matchup hungry for redemption — Fallsburg battling through a rebuilding year with a 1–12 record, while Liberty was still searching for its first win of the season. From the opening serve, it was clear neither side was going down quietly.

The Comets came out firing in the first set, led by senior outside hitter and captain Zoey Ketcham, middle hitter Joslyn Smith, and senior setter Madeline Pantel. Their energy and precision fueled Fallsburg to a 25–19 set win, as the Redhawks fought hard but couldn’t overcome the Comets’ balanced attack.

Momentum swung in the second set, with the Redhawks regrouping behind the strong play of senior middle hitter Ariana Wilson and libero Makayla Morales. Liberty battled back to take the frame 25–22, evening the match at one set apiece. 

The third set was a back-and-forth battle marked by long rallies, gritty defense, and an electric atmosphere. The Comets took it in a dramatic 25–24 win and a 2–1 lead.

In the decisive fourth set of the best-of-five match, Fallsburg carried its momentum straight through to the finish. The Comets burst out to an early lead and, despite a determined late push from the Redhawks, they refused to let up for a 25-20 win, and the match. 

After the match, senior Zoey Ketcham reflected on the team’s growth and what this season meant to her:

“It felt a bit off this year, all of our seniors had graduated, and we’re a young team. I feel like I played pretty well, and I feel we improved our team chemistry a lot. Me and the other seniors taught the younger players a lot through the years…I’m very proud of them and I think they’re gonna become a great team.”

Head coach Amy Johnson echoed Ketcham’s pride in the team’s progress:

“It definitely showed what potential we have for the future… We’re only losing three seniors, so that’s a good sign. There’s been a lot of progress and improvement from the first game to the last game — especially considering that at the start of the season, I only had three players with any varsity experience. It was a rebuilding year for sure.”

Fallsburg looks poised to turn this year’s lessons into next season’s success. 

Coach Macy Shamro had this to say– 

“Although we didn’t have a winning season, there were many positives…one big one was improving on and off the court–in skills and character building, and the girls learning more what it means to be real student-athletes…I’m very proud of them. We’re losing five seniors, which will be tough and another rebuilding year for next year, but I have high hopes for what’s coming.”

Senior Redhawk Ariana Wilson added, “This season we may not have played to our fullest potential, but I genuinely loved playing with this team this year. We all have a great connection and I truly cannot wait to see how amazing they play next year…I’m so proud of every girl on that team–thanks to the girls and coaches, I had a great senior year.”