Plattsburgh's Emma Calkins (10) with the spike to the back corner for the Hornets' point. PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh Hornets showed resilience under pressure Thursday evening, overcoming a determined Saranac Spartans comeback to earn a dramatic five-set victory in Champlain Valley Athletic Conference volleyball action. Entering the match with a 6-2 record, the Hornets appeared in complete control early. Plattsburgh dominated the opening set 25-15, using consistent offense and strong net play to keep the Spartans out of rhythm. The Hornets carried that momentum into the second set. Saranac stayed within striking distance for much of the frame, but Plattsburgh surged late, closing on an 8-4 run to secure a 25-18 victory and a commanding two-set lead. With their backs against the wall, the Spartans responded impressively. Trailing 19-17 in the third set, Saranac put together an explosive 8-0 run to seize control. The Spartans finished the set on a remarkable 14-2 stretch, claiming a 25-19 win and breathing life into the match. The fourth set featured long rallies and momentum swings as neither team could establish separation. Saranac continued its strong play in critical moments, eventually pulling away for a 25-20 victory to even the match at two sets apiece. The deciding fifth set delivered the night's biggest drama. Saranac grabbed an early advantage and led 7-4 at the side switch, putting the Hornets on the brink of defeat. Plattsburgh battled back point by point, refusing to let the Spartans complete the reverse sweep. With neither team able to gain the required two-point margin, the set stretched beyond the standard 15 points and into overtime. The rivals traded points before the Hornets finally prevailed 19-17, sealing one of the most exciting matches of the CVAC season. The victory lifts Plattsburgh to 6-2, while Saranac falls to 4-3 despite its spirited comeback effort. Plattsburgh returns to action Oct. 5 against Saranac Lake, while Saranac will travel to face Saranac Lake on Oct. 6. For two sets, it looked like the Hornets were heading toward a quick victory. Instead, the Spartans forced a winner-take-all fifth set before Plattsburgh regrouped and escaped with a hard-earned win in a match that showcased CVAC volleyball's competitiveness. Gallery

Saranac's Molly Gangwer (9) with the dig as she picks the ball just before it hits the ground. Gallery

Saranac's Brenna Ducatte (14) with the finger-tip spike that she gets over the Hornets defender for the score. It would be the start of the Section VII Volleyball playoffs, and the Plattsburgh High School would host one of the two semi-finals on this day. The #1 Plattsburgh Hornets would enter the playoffs undefeated as they would take on the #4 seeded Saranac Spartans with a spot in the Sectionals finals on Friday against the winner of the Beekmantown Eagles and Saranac Lake Red Storm. The home Hornets would come out firing, but the Spartans would do their best to keep the first set tight, and the Hornets would do better with a 25-19 victory. In the second set, the Spartans would after the win from the start of the seat, and they would get the 25-20 set win. As they head into the third set, the Chiefs would leave little to the imagination as they would get the easy 25-7 victory. As they would head to the 4th set, the Hornets would stay hot as they would get the easy 25-13 victory. The Hornets would win the match 3-1 and go to 17-0 on the season as they will take on the winner of the Beekmantown Eagles and Saranac Lake Red Storm Friday evening with a title on the line. As for the Saranac Spartans, their season would end at 10-7. Gallery

Plattsburgh's Essynce Gorham (14) with the close-up spike as she leaps and gets everything on it for the score. Gallery