In 1857, British educational writer William Edward Hickson popularized the famous phrase: “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.”

Then, in 2000, late R&B recording artist Aaliyah’s hit “Try Again” echoed the famous phrase: “If at first you don’t succeed, then dust yourself off and try again.”

For the Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, girls’ varsity volleyball team, each of the past four seasons has ended with the thought of “we’ll just have to try again next year.” However, it’s important to note that the “trying again” has been the Clippers’ attempts to capture the utmost title: a New York State CHSAA Tier 1 championship.

Meanwhile, along their journey, the Xaverian team has won the past four New York City championships — an impressive feat in its own right. Yet, just like the “World Series or bust” attitude of the late 1990s/early 2000s New York Yankees, teams that have become a dynasty only settle for the highest possible honor.

So, in terms of a state championship, Hickson and Aaliyah’s words ring true for the Clippers.

Xaverian had a talented team on paper heading into the 2025 campaign.

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Five sophomores were expected to contribute significant minutes, as the team looked to defend its city title and see what happened at the state tournament.

“Joining the varsity team for the first time this year, I already knew the program had a strong reputation for being competitive and very disciplined,” said sophomore libero Taylor Sorrentino. “Heading into the season, my expectations were to push myself and my teammates to our best potential.”

Following an undefeated regular season, the Clippers took down St. John’s Prep, Astoria, and St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, to win their fourth-straight diocesan title. Winning the Brooklyn-Queens tournament automatically qualified them for the state tournament in Buffalo.

The first round of the state tourney turned out to be the city championship game, with Xaverian taking on the Archdiocese of New York champion, Maria Regina H.S., in Hartsdale, New York. A 3-0 sweep gave the Clippers a fourth consecutive city title.

“Our team’s main strength was how connected we are as one unit, and no matter who you are, the team supports each other no matter what,” said sophomore outside hitter Chloe Ostrander. “Our friendship and the way we took care of each other on and off the court helped bring us to where we are now.”

As much as they strived to win the city title, this team — and each of the three varsity squads before them — wanted more.

During the three state tournaments before this one, Xaverian lost either the semifinal or final match to St. Mary’s H.S., Lancaster, N.Y. In what’s become a New York girls’ volleyball rivalry, these two teams squared off once again, this time in the state final match in St. Mary’s home gymnasium.

The first set was close, with St. Mary’s edging out the Clippers for the early lead. Xaverian’s statement, a second set win to tie things up, transferred all the energy in the gym to the Brooklynites.

St. Mary’s, though, is a powerhouse program for a reason. Winning a close third set shifted the momentum back to the eventual state champs, as they closed out the fourth set for a 3-1 win over the Clippers.

“The quality of the match was out of control,” said Xaverian girls’ varsity volleyball head coach Marie McGoldrick, who has coached the squad since the school went co-ed prior to the 2016-2017 school year. “They have nothing to hang their heads about. We did everything we wanted. We had a game plan and stuck to it. I was really proud of them.

“The strength of this particular championship team was their ability to fight through adversity and injury. I’ve never used so many different rotations in all my years coaching in the league.”

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Though the underclassmen made significant contributions to this year’s team, the three senior captains set the tone all season. Senior middle blocker/hitter Oia Hughes, senior rightside hitter Meg Brennan, and senior multi-positional player Jessie Coursey all earned CHSAA All-League honors for their stellar play and leadership.

“I truly love this program and all the girls in it,” said Hughes, a member of all four recent Clipper city title teams. “They’ve made my entire experience at Xaverian 10 times more special. Seeing how much this program has grown has been so exciting. I’m proud to know that I’m leaving behind a legacy on something that has meant so much to me.”

As a young team, Xaverian already has its sights set on getting back to the big stage and finally taking home that coveted state championship next year. The “try again” mentality has kept the Clippers hungry for more. It’s going to happen; it’s just a matter of when.

As for the work to get there? It’s already begun.