Despite more than half the team playing for the first time at the varsity level, the boys volleyball team, led by Coach Tom and new assistant Coach Roessler, is having a very successful season.  Riding a strong win-streak of eight, the boys have bounced back from two early losses to move towards the top of the conference standings.  With the season coming to a close, there is a lot of pressure to carry this momentum into the playoffs. 

This year’s roster consists of twelve players, all of whom contribute on and off the court.  Playing in the outside hitter position are seniors Matthew Pierre Louis and Daniel Greilsheimer, and juniors Dillon Marvin and Landon Braider.  Playing right-side are juniors Jack McNaughton and Zac Silfin.  Playing the middle blocker position are seniors Charlie Bosowrth and Christian Rafferty.  This group of middles and pin hitters contributes to one of the best offenses in the county with juniors Dylan Epstein and Cal Gober and sophomore Max Baum at the helm.  The final player on the roster is junior Ryan Epstein in the libero position, where he plays defense in the back row.

The team started the season off slowly, losing two tight five-set matches against Massapequa and Long Beach.  However, those early season defeats did not define them; they ran a winning streak to eight and redeemed themselves against Long Beach with a 3-0 sweep.  Although it was difficult with a new, but talented team, the boys have persevered through the struggles, building good chemistry and communicating well with each other on the court.

“We have a strong bond off the court which translates to how we play in games,” said senior Christian Rafferty. 

This feeling is shared throughout the team with players feeling more connected compared to last year’s shortened season due to COVID-19.  This camaraderie has helped the team excel.

One of the goals the team shares is to first win the conference, and then potentially win counties or even states.  The team played Massapequa on Oct. 20, defeating them with a score of 3-2, improving themselves and avenging their earlier defeat.

“Massapequa was our toughest opponent yet since they were fast, made very few errors, and made nice plays when they needed to,” said senior Charlie Bosworth.

The Massapequa game is always a learning experience for the athletes, and they have worked to fix the weak points exposed by playing such a high-caliber team.  They always try to keep a positive attitude and keep their energy high, both on the court and the bench, which has been a key factor in the team’s success.  Captains Dylan Epstein and Matt Pierre-Louis have played crucial roles in the team’s winning streak. 

“The team this year is especially light-hearted and doesn’t get down on themselves easily which has really helped us.  Mostly moments of low energy take us down, so as a team we need to keep our energy levels high,” said senior Pierre-Louis.

This season is an especially special one for the seniors since it will be the last time they step out on the court repping the blue and white.  The seniors have shared many memorable moments together, but their main goal is to win the County Championship.  The senior game was on Oct. 22 against Syosset, in which the coaches and rest of the players honored the graduating class. 

“Every year the team bond becomes stronger and it’s awesome to see that happen throughout the years.  Coach Tom and Coach Giamanco have been huge influences in my high school career and I wish I had more time to work with my new coach, Coach Roessler.  He has a lot of experience and knows the game like it’s second nature,” said Rafferty.

Rafferty, one of the four graduating seniors on the team, plans to continue his athletic career into college. 

The season coming to an end is very emotional for the team with stakes high and a strong chance of winning the County Championship.  With their drive and ambitious nature, the team looks to make a strong run in the playoffs.