Penfield volleyball poised to pursue twin Section V titles

PENFIELD – Expectations for the Section V high school volleyball playoffs are high at Penfield, and for good reason.

Both the Patriot boys and girls have enjoyed standout seasons in 2026. Both have been mainstays in the state rankings in their respective classifications.

Sectional play will soon begin for both squads. We checked in with each team to ask about postseason preparations and more.

Penfield played in the past two NYSPHSAA Class A boys volleyball finals, winning in 2024 before losing last season.

No opponent has stood in the undefeated Patriots' way this season. They've stayed atop the New York Volleyball Coaches Association's Division 1 state rankings all fall.

Watch above as Owen Gutman and Jake Buckpitt detail the team's success after its Oct. 20 sweep of Fairport, one which required a substantial comeback during the second set. That win moved the Patriots' record to 13-0.

One word sits on the back of each Penfield girls volleyball player's warmup: Kaizen.

Japanese in origin, the term means consistent improvement each day. It's this year's team motto for one of the Section V favorites in Class AAA.

Penfield, which finished the regular season 12-3, seeks its first section title since 2016. Watch below as Natalie Schneider and Lily Spector share details on the team's success after its Oct. 19 win at Rush-Henrietta.

Penfield, Rush-Henrietta battle in Section V girls volleyball

Jeff Uveino joined the USA Today Network in 2023 and began covering Rochester-area high school sports in 2026. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University's Jandoli School of Communication and native of Perry. Contact him at juveino@usatodayco.com . Follow him on X @realjuveino and on Instagram @jeffusports.