Blue Devil Girls’ Volleyball Celebrates Seniors
October 17, 2023
In the midst of its best season in many years, the Huntington varsity girls’ volleyball team celebrated Senior Day in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium last Saturday morning, honoring three sensational players who have meant so much to the program over the years, including this fall.
Another big crowd filled the bleachers for Saturday’s match against West Babylon, who earlier in the season edged the Blue Devils. But the rematch was a different story as Huntington won three straight games to improve to 12-5. The team has qualified for the playoffs.
Prior to the start of the contest, the Blue Devils recognized its three seniors. The gym was decorated with blue and white balloons, streamers and photo posters, commemorating the careers of the teenagers.
“We have three seniors this year that we’d like to recognize for their efforts, hard work and commitment to the program; Kate Barba, Neurdia Osias, and Zaida Correal,” said Todd Donaghy, Huntington’s head coach. “I am going to let the girls talk a little about each player and share their thoughts on the impact the seniors had on each of them; but I’d like to start by thanking by the girls for the last four years. I took over the program when they were freshmen and it’s been fun to see this program grow over that time. We started this journey that first year going 3-12 and now they’re the second team in the last 27 years to make the playoffs. I like to say give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time and they did just that; every day.”
The seniors were joined on the court by their parents and family members. In a classy move, West Babylon’s players and coaches sat nearby on their bench and also paid tribute to the Huntington trio.
“Jerry West said ‘Anything can happen with hard work and dedication’ and in the time this group has been together I’ve never had a group of athletes that has worked harder to get to where they are today,” Donaghy said. “I’d like to give the girls an opportunity to share a little something about each of our seniors and then we’d like to present them with a gift showing our appreciation for everything they’ve done for the program.”
The senior’s teammates took turns talking about each of them, expressing their admiration, affection and love.
Donaghy presented each of the seniors with a framed Huntington “H” varsity letter and a colorful photo of the player in action. The coach spoke about each of the seniors during the ceremony. Tears flowed and there were tight hugs and heartfelt applause and lots of photos.
The Blue Devils then went out and captured a three consecutive set victory, 25-16, 25-19, 25-20.
Barba turned in another stellar performance with 24 kills and seven digs. (A kill is when the opposition cannot return an attack. A dig is when a defensive player passes a ball that was an attack by the opposition.)
Osias recorded nine kills and three serving aces. Emily Barba added nine digs and three aces. Lauren Donaghy was spectacular, too, with 31 assists, 12 digs and five kills.
“Kate now has 335 kills on the season and is within 12 of breaking the school record of 621 held by Cat Jamison,” Coach Donaghy said. “Lauren continues to set the single season assists mark with 505 assists on the season. She now has 873 career assists in one-plus season on varsity.”
