The Pioneer Varsity Volleyball team has won the Section VI Class A-2 Championship for 2025.
The Panthers defeated Iroquois, 3-0, in the A-2 match on November 5. The win means Pioneer will face Williamsville South in the Class A unification game on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2:00 p.m., at Cheektowaga High School.
Coach Patrick Smith was asked what made the difference for his team this year.
"This year felt different from the start because of the chemistry and commitment from past years. We had five returning starters from a very solid team last season. Everyone bought into their roles early, and that consistency paid off. We also focused more on accountability, and doing your one-sixth, which made a big difference," he said.
Coach Smith described his team as "Driven. They want to win so badly. We’re a hardworking, resilient group. They do all the little things. Whether that’s open gyms in the offseason, summer league, extra practice, supporting teammates, or staying positive through tough stretches."
Asked for a turning point in the 2025 season, he pointed at one particular match.
"I would say that after our game at Starpoint. We were up 2-0 and ended up losing the match 3-2. The energy and passion after that game was different. We went on to win 6 out of 7 games and you could feel everyone believing we were capable of something great."
The postseason saw Pioneer seeded at the top and hosting the first two rounds. Coach Smith said, "Advancing to the finals in the Cheektowaga tournament and seeing our veteran players step up throughout the year was gratifying. Honestly, the day-to-day progress and the willingness to get better each day was amazing."
Coach Smith reflected upon his team leaders. "We have a couple strong vocal leaders and quiet ones who lead by experience on the court. Our captains—Addison Woodruff, Kailyn Kanner and Riley Matuszak— set the tone, but everyone has taken ownership. Another athlete who really stepped up this year and took on a leadership role was Leah Jorgensen. The energy she brings after a big block or kill can fire up our whole team."
Finally, the coach praised the can-do effort of the volleyball program. "[I would just say] how proud I am of this team and how far we’ve come. No matter what the result is, the growth, effort, and togetherness of this group make this season one to remember. Lastly, I’ve got to give credit to all our coaches, athletes and parents. Assistant Coach [Miranda] Edmondson was a huge help the past two seasons in helping our program grow. Coach Patrick Souder does a fantastic job at the junior varsity level making sure that when these athletes come up to varsity they are ready to play right away."