Morgan Farmer plays the ball in the backcourt for Saranac Lake during Saturday’s match against Northeastern Clinton at Saranac Central High School. (Enterprise photo — Lou Reuter)

PICKETTS CORNERS — Two teams hungry for a title battled it out on the volleyball court Saturday, and as it turned out, Northeastern Clinton stayed a step ahead of Saranac Lake throughout the match to claim a three-game sweep on championship day at Saranac Central High School.

In three tight games, the Cougars triumphed 25-22, 25-18 and 25-19 to topple the Red Storm 3-0 to claim the Class C crown on a day when three finals matches took place to decide Section VII titles. The victory marked the first time NCCS won a volleyball title since 1977. After winning their first playoff match ever in semifinal action over Saranac last week, the Red Storm was left still looking for their first volleyball championship in school history.

Although the Cougars did win in three straight, Saturday’s contest was the most competitive between the two teams this season.

“I think the setting was right. I think our team came prepared to play,” Saranac Lake coach Mike Navarra said. “I do think that NCCS just simplified the game of volleyball by being able to use their hands. It’s not a natural thing, it’s a conditioned thing. They were able to control the tempo by every ball that they went to, they were able use their hands to put the ball in the air.

“I think both teams played great. Our girls did exactly what they needed to do,” Navarra added. “NCCS had very consistent players who just work well together, they communicated well on the court, and when they had to put the ball down, their setter was able to consistently able to put the ball where the hitters needed it. Every time we went to attack them, we were off balance.”

As an example of just how well the Cougars played defensively, their team finished with 104 digs. Nicole Khater led the way with 28 digs, and Jacqueline Rasco and Harleigh Green were next with 17 digs each.

Natalie Boulerice paced NCCS with 11 points.

Alivia Sapone finished with 14 points to lead Saranac Lake, which finished with a 9-9 mark overall, which was one of the best seasons record wise ever at the school. Morgan Farmer and Olivia Atkinson each finished with 18 digs for the Red Storm, and Sapone chipped in with 14. Farmer also finished with a match-high 11 kills. Kaitlyn Smith led the Red Storm with 18 assists and Jada Meadows  contributed 10 assists. Andrea Boon also had nine kills for the Red Storm.

Cougars coach Brent Banker, who has been at the helm of NCCS volleyball team for 20 years, said Saturday’s title was a long time coming.

“We have an old 1977 banner hanging on the wall for volleyball. That’s it,” Banker said. “I’m really happy for our seniors. It’s all about them. I think we learned a lot from last year’s championship match against Plattsburgh. We had a little lead in that first game, but couldn’t hold on. This year, I think our girls played calmer. Our serve receive and our defense have really stood out for us this year. Those have been the things working for us. Our defense has been there all year, it hasn’t let us down.

” I do want to tip my cap to Saranac Lake,” Banker added. “Mike has done a really good job up there and has a very good volleyball team. We knew it would be a battle today and it was. His kids came to play today.”

With a roster of all seniors and just two sophomores, Saranac Lake will undergo a big-time rebuilding effort in order to be able to continue the success that this year’s team has enjoyed.

“I know we worked really hard really proud of how we played all season long including today,” Farmer said. “There are a lot of players in our grade, and I know there are a lot of freshman playing, so I hope they keep working hard to keep this going. We’ve all been playing together since seventh grade. It’s been a long run with these girls and it’s been a lot of fun. It’s sad obviously, we wanted to win but I’m happy with our season.”

The Cougars improved to 14-4 overall and will next play Section X, Class C champion Potsdam Wednesday at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid.