Finley Girls’ Volleyball Enjoys Turnaround
After a winless 2015 season, the J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ volleyball team enjoyed a turnaround this winter, capturing four meets on the wings of some very strong players.
Coached Huntington High School alum Lauren Visbal, the 23 player squad was captained by Madelyn Reed, Marissa Stafford, Steliani Vlahos and Anna Wickey.
“We build muscle; we build character; we grow strong; we grow bolder; we push up; we sweat; we laugh; we achieve; together; today and every day,” Visbal said.
Finley topped Northport (3-2), Oldfield (3-2 and 4-1) and Stimson (3-2). The Falcons dropped matches to Kings Park (5-0), Hauppauge (4-1), Elwood (3-2), East Northport (4-1) and Northport (3-2).
Finley was led by Reed, Stafford, Wickey, Charlotte Maggio and Peyton Kalb. Defeating Oldfields twice and winning four matches after winning none a year earlier were the highlights of the season according to Visbal.
The coach was effusive in her praise of Finley’s top players. “Maddie is very good at blocking and hitting,” Visbal said and Reed, an exceptional middle hitter. “Marissa Stafford always gets to the ball and had crucial tips over the net, getting many points from those.”
Wickey shined as one of the team’s setters. “Anna has very good serves, like a bullet, and great sets and tips over the net,” Visbal said. Maggio, another of the team’s middle hitters, was cited for her “great hits and blocks” and Kalb, an outside hitter, was praised for her “great passing abilities.”
Isabella Toscano was another standout in the lineup. “Her passing and covering was amazing,” Visbal said. The Falcons had a solid group of athletes coming off the bench, too.
Looking ahead to next winter, Maggio returns along with Marina Durand, Jordan Forte, Mackenzie Madison, Charlotte Maggio, Gemma Pellegrini, Kathryn Renkewitz, Grace Renkewitz, Sophia Severine, Julia Steinberg, Ashley Visser and Grace Wildermuth.
Finley will say goodbye to eighth graders Reed, Stafford, Wickey, Kalb, Toscano, Megan Agrillo, Kimberly Drake Caroline Hartough, Lauren LoScalzo, Mia Redick and Holly Wright.