As the varsity volleyball season winds down, it is time to sit back and reflect on the past two months. After tryouts in August, steamy hot days in September and a grueling schedule for October, the team finished the regular season with a 1-12 record. But these results are quite misleading as Floral Park was placed in the top ability conference once again. When you are competing against the likes of Wantagh, South Side, Manhasset and Lynbrook, calling a season successful cannot be determined based on wins and losses. All aspects must be considered. Did the players learn? Did the team progress? And did they have fun?

The answer to all of these questions is a resounding yes.

Now, the Floral Park Lady Knights will host an opening round playoff game as the 7th seed, and will face 10th-seeded Hewlett.

During this long season, the Lady Knights proved their grit and determination. There were plenty of high points as these girls never gave up and fought to win every point. There wasn’t a block, dig, spike, serve or stuff that wasn’t well practiced and executed to the best of their ability on the court. This tenacious style and never-say-die attitude has been instilled in them by head coach Ms. LoRusso-Murray.

The leadership and true belief in the game plan was always evident in the performance of captains Tara Tam and Devin Harkins. The team also received stellar play from several key returning players – Marcella Sanchez, Raquel Morales, Ailish Haslbauer, Sarah Lubicich, Katie Cotsales, Nicole Brosman and Rachel LeFave. First-year players Frances Reilly, Orly Reilly, Cassidy Stone, Caroline Lubicich, Mia Savignano and Erin Harkins all made nice transitions to the varsity.

All in all, the Lady Knights showed they can play with the best Nassau County has to offer. With many of the players returning for next year, the future of girls varsity volleyball is looking bright. Teams better watch out next year, because Floral Park will be back with a vengeance.

(Floral Park fell to Hewlett 3-0 in the opening round of the playoffs.)