That win moves Panthers to a perfect 15-0 on the year, and Coach Tammy Hosier’s team will now look to defend its Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Central Division title on the road against second-place Chautauqua Lake today at 6:30.

Over the past several years of success the Panthers have gotten used to finding ways to stay motivated during the course of an unbeaten season. One thing that has certainly helped that cause through the first 15 contests of 2019 has been the contributions of Ally and Alexis Finnerty.

The two identical twins got their first taste of success two years ago when they were first called up to the Panama varsity during playoff action. During their first full year of action as juniors the pair carved out vital individual positions as role players, and things have only gotten better from there.

“They have always been role players, and they are great kids,” Panama coach Tammy Hosier said of the two seniors. “They bring so much to the team because they bring energy, because they are always positive. They are always looking to get better, they are so coachable and they work hard.”

Panama’s Maddie Johnson makes a save. P-J photo by Jay Young

Although they may look alike, the Finnertys have each found their own ways to contribute to a Panthers team that has plenty of seasoned veterans. Ally now bolsters the Panthers back row, returning serves and and doing her own damage when at the line. Alexis has given Panama yet another offensive weapon on the outside of the net, and both sisters play strong defense.

“They filled the roles that we needed. We needed one outside hitter and we needed a back row player. Ally has improved so much in her back-row play. Last year she was our ace in the hole for serving. That’s pretty much what she did was serve and come back out. This year she serves, plays the back row and she’s been doing amazing,” said Hosier.

When opposing blockers key in on overhands from the likes of Natalie Angeletti and Kylie Schnars, Alexis has found success swinging away at Maddie Johnson sets on the outside. In fact, the Panthers have instituted a new tradition in honor of Alexis, who is a fan of jumping with her knees in a high tuck to celebrate a successful kill.

“What we decided was whenever Alexis gets a kill, instead of doing our normal kill cheer, they all have to jump up like that,” said Hosier.

The Panthers are still trying to get everyone in synch when it comes their newest celebration, but that should come with time.

Perhaps the biggest contribution thus far from the Finnertys has been their impact on morale. With the Panthers winning set after set and match after match, extra motivation to keep improving is always welcome.

“The biggest thing is they are true team players in every sense,” said Hosier. “They help with the energy and we need as much help as we can get. They are key players.”

NOTES: In Wednesday’s win, Johnson had four digs, 27 assists, one kill and 10 points; Angeletti had five digs, eight kills, four blocks and two aces; Schnars added 14 kills and seven blocks; Marra Hovey collected six digs; Ally Finnerty chipped in four digs, six points and two aces; Alexis Finnerty added one kill and two points; and Mandy Brink added five digs. … Olean is now 10-3 on the year and was led by Grace Parr with seven kills, three blocks and one ace; Sophia Renaud with19 assists and nine digs; and Destiny Custer with 19 digs and one assist.