Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake captured its 13th consecutive Section 2 Division 2 boys’ volleyball championship on Friday night.
The Spartans defeated Christian Brothers Academy in a decisive 3-0 victory at Schenectady High School, according to Yahoo Sports.
Senior setter Sean Calhoun reached a significant milestone during the dominant opening set of the championship match.
Calhoun recorded his 2,905th career assist, passing 2011 graduate Jordan Armstrong to become the program’s all-time leader.
Coach Paul Sander orchestrated a surprise for his star player by keeping the record-breaking total secret until a timeout was called.
Reflecting on the achievement, Calhoun noted, “It’s crazy to me, thinking of all the setters who came before me – especially my brother.”
Sander praised the senior’s leadership and technical skill during the match, stating, “He’s the glue that holds it together.”
The Spartans opened the match with a 14-0 run that featured 13 consecutive service points from Calhoun.
While the starters dominated the first set, the team’s reserves played the final two frames to close out the win.
The victory secured the Spartans’ position in the upcoming Division 2 state tournament, which is scheduled for late November in Rochester.
Burnt Hills enters the state tournament with an overall record of 15-2 for the season.
Conversely, the season concluded for Christian Brothers Academy, which finished the year with a 0-17 record, per reports from the Times Union.
The state tournament will begin on Nov. 21 at Roberts Wesleyan University.
Calhoun expressed his focus remains on the upcoming competition, remarking, “The only thing on my mind was states.”
The team looks to carry its momentum from the sectional win into the state bracket.