The Huntington High School junior varsity girls’ volleyball team showcased the program’s talented young players during a season that saw the Blue Devils win four matches.
Huntington was coached by district physical education teacher Carrie Postel and led by freshmen Megan Donaghy and Lauren Gennarelli and sophomores Caroline Gorecki, Sophia Toscano, Francesca Stamatatos and Grace Stolfa.
Donaghy had team bests in aces and kills. “Megan has improved tremendously,” Postel said. “She is always trying to make herself better.” (N.B. A “kill” is defined as “an attack by a player that is not returnable by the receiving player on the opposing team and leads directly to a point or loss of rally.)
Gennarelli also shined on the court. “Lauren is a quiet leader,” Postel said.
Gorecki’s 197 assists led in that statistical category. “Caroline runs the volleyball court well,” Postel said.
Toscano contributed a team high 102 assists. “Sophia has improved as a player and as a leader as well,” Postel added.
Stamatatos was among the best on the team in blocks and kills. “Francesca was a wall at the net,” Postel said.
Stolfa, the team’s libero (a specialized defensive player that wears a unique jersey), excelled at digs. “Grace was always diving all over,” Postel said.
The season’s highlight came quickly. “The girls played amazing in our first game of the season against Smithtown East,” Postel said. “The games were close and we kept up with one of the stronger teams in our league.”
The squad was exceptionally competitive as the Blue Devils lost seven matches by 2-1 scores. “This team was a pleasure to coach,” Postel said. “They all got along and were all very coachable.”
The roster also included freshmen Sarah Krisch and Haileigh Smith; sophomores Madelyn Bavaro, Cassidy Casabona, Alexis Kaloudis, Sophia Marchetta and Hannah Roberts and junior Adora Colay.
“We have four returning players for next year,” Postel said. “The middle school season will let us know who will be coming up.”