A Winning Season All Around

A+Winning+Season+All+Around

Vishal Mirchandani, Senior Staff Writer

A year after making it to the Nassau County semi-finals, the boys’ varsity volleyball team is headed to the playoffs again. With a young team consisting of mostly juniors, sophomores, and even a freshman, expectations were that it would be a rebuilding season. Graduating most of the key players from last year’s team called for the likelihood of a transitional period for the younger kids.

But competing in the top ability conference helped the Knights gain the #7 seed in the playoffs. Senior Captains Nick DelGiorno and Vishal Mirchandani provided great leadership throughout the year, and hoped to make a magical run in the playoffs, even with all the adversity the team has faced. The recent loss of senior Jake Thottam due to a head injury added to the list of unfortunate circumstances involving the team and its coach, Mr. Obloj.

However, the level of effort given by the boys has not declined. After its first victory over Calhoun, the team was excited about entering the playoffs. With only four seniors on the team, the boys have had some great matches this season.

When asked about his thoughts on the team, coach Objol said, “We all knew that this year was going to be a transitional period for our program. I thought staying in the top conference and competing with the best of the best in Nassau County would only make the boys better and save the future of this program. I am very pleased with the young kids’ performances this year and how the team has been performing as of late. I really appreciate the effort and leadership of our seniors as well. Who knows, maybe we can make something happen come postseason time.”

The Knights had a very competitive first round game against Valley Stream South, falling 3-2.

​The girls’ varsity volleyball team is also heading into the playoffs, but with a much different outlook and season performance. With a senior-laden roster, the Lady Knights finished in third place behind perennial powers Wantagh and South Side. It was an incredibly impressive regular season performance, and with a win over South Side during the regular season, the girls are a legitimate threat to upend the top two seeds. Led by senior captains Alice Brandt, Grace Brandt and Jackie Tam, the girls are hoping to bring home a county championship. Seniors Faith Balletta and Natalie Hickman provide the team with tremendous experience and the skill needed to compete.

Coached by the woman with the highest volleyball IQ in the school, also known to many as the school nurse, Ms. LoRusso couldn’t be happier with the way her team has played this year.

“Coming into the season, I knew being in the top conference was going to be tough,” said Ms. LoRusso. “Being ranked the worst team in the conference didn’t help either but pulling off upsets all season I am glad to say that we have clinched third place. Although it is my first year coaching the girls, we have developed a special relationship that I will never forget.”

Two players that are underrated and have had a tremendous part in helping the team to where it is now are Sheryl Matthew and Hickman. With Hickman holding down the middle and Matthew using her quick feet and reaction time to dig almost every ball, the team is able to play more of an offensive game and give their opponents headaches.

The girls easily won their first two playoff matches, and were preparing for a semifinal game against South Side on Monday, November 7, the night of Parent-Teacher Conferences.