The J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ volleyball team played with determination this winter. Several talented players were showcased during a season that saw the Blue Devils play 10 matches.
Finley was coached by Carrie Postel and captained by eighth graders Ava Brandine, Tessie Maerz and Neha Rathore. The roster included 19 seventh and eighth graders, all eager to improve their skills and have fun.
Maerz played very well as outside hitter. “Tessie is the most consistent player,” Postel said. “She would probably be able to play any position if asked.”
Rathore shined at setter. “Neha had the most assists on the team this year,” Postel said.
Kate Barbra turned in a sensational seventh grade season at middle hitter. “Kate is a strong, consistent hitter and a very good server,” Postel said.
Eighth grader Haileigh Smith was splendid at middle hitter. “Haileigh improved so much this year,” Postel said. “She’s a great hitter and passer.”
The roster also included seventh graders Kayleigh Bender, Tess Calabria, Keira Coulter, Brooke Farasciano, Jayda Fils-Aime, Chloe Hunt, Ariella Katigbak, Ella O’Heir, Reese Rinaldi and Maya Sakellarios and eighth graders Emely Cruz, Sarah Krisch, Renee McKean and Vanessa Salmon. Everyone contributed to the team in some way.
“Our best accomplishment this year was our last match of the season, where we almost beat Stimson,” Postel said. “The girls played very well.”
Mrs. Postel has been a Huntington physical education teacher since September 2001. A graduate of Sachem North High School, she obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from Long Island University-C.W. Post and Touro College, respectively. Before coming to the district, she was a part-time health and physical education teacher in the neighboring Elwood School District. She also previously worked as a permanent substitute teacher in Sachem.
Mrs. Postel has coached varsity, junior varsity and middle school girls’ volleyball and middle school girl’s track and field.