Francis Lewis surges to berth in finals

Jen Dortch always plays at maximum speed, chasing down every shot from the end line to the bleachers with extreme verve and a never-ending motor. However, the junior setter seemed to be a little extra motivated for the Patriots' PSAL volleyball semifinal against Hunter.
&#8220I was so pumped up,” she said. &#8220They beat us the last two years we played in the playoffs. It wasn't happening again.”
The 5-foot-2 Dortch made sure of that, somehow dominating the game in all areas of the rematch. She had 19 assists, five digs, three kills, two blocks, seven service points and two aces as No. 5 Francis Lewis advanced to their first PSAL title game in four seasons, 25-22, 21-25, 25-15, over the top-seeded Hawks at Hunter College. &#8220I was so determined to win,” she added, &#8220I wasn't letting us lose.”
The taller, outside hitter-laden top-seeded Hawks dominated the Patriots in the semifinals a year ago in two games. But this meeting was completely different. Francis Lewis was a composed bunch, accurately out-passing Hunter primarily because of Dortch in beating them with finesse and a precise game plan. Just a sophomore last year, Dortch wasn't one of the team's leaders, but she showed what a difference a year can make.
&#8220I don't think they were ready for our defense,” she said. &#8220We prepared so much for the playoffs. We were just practicing so hard, like we were in a game.”
The team's talented freshmen not only fought through jitters against Hunter to remain composed, they excelled. Outside hitter Euginia Anthony was essential to the defense Dortch mentioned, digging out 11 would-be kills and middle hitter Alicja Pawelec added five kills of her own along with seven service points and four digs. The third freshman, outside hitter Cherees Sheen chipped in with eight kills, nine service points and nine digs in helping to limit Hunter's two high-flying stars, Liz Naiden and Sue Lee. &#8220She's playing tremendous,” Francis Lewis Coach Arnie Rosenbaum said of Sheen.
&#8220They're amazing,” Dortch said of all three newcomers. &#8220Our team is so lucky to have them.”
Yet it was Dortch who put them in position to make a difference, &#8220controlling the game,” as Rosenbaum put it. &#8220She makes everything easier,” Pawelec said. &#8220She makes me look good with her sets. She gets to everything. She's always there for the ball.”