H-ton JV Volleyball Makes Move

The Huntington junior varsity girls’ volleyball team was increasingly competitive this fall. The team was captained by La-Khiasja Casey, Alexandra Boeckmann and Gabriella Jones and coached by high school physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn.

“This was a really fun group of girls, who always made practices and games fun,” Blackburn said. “They were able to balance fun with hard work, which made coaching them so enjoyable.”

The 16 player team was led by Casey, Jones, Olivia Koiyet, Taylor Ranft and Mackenzie McKay. Boeckmann, Caleigh Camarata, Mia Gulino, Nallelly Linares, Dylan McKean, McKenzie Moore, Kaylin Olivo, Taylor Peters, Karina Rodriguez, Adriana Garcia Cruz and Paige Falk played important supporting roles.

“Khi had some outstanding plays at the net this season, putting up blocks and making some great offensive turns,” said Blackburn about Casey. “Gabby has put in so much work this season, really developing into a true outside hitter,” added the coach about Jones. “She has so much potential and is an outstanding volleyball player.”

Koiyet was termed “a fantastic setter,” especially considering she has never played the position before this fall. “She has an incredible serve and is so fast when she goes after the ball to set up our offense,” Blackburn said.

The hustling Ranft also made important contributions. “She has made some extraordinary defensive saves and really impressed me,” the coach said.

The highlight of the season came in the final match against Bellport. “Earlier in the season, they had beaten us, 2-1 and in the final match of the year, we were able to upset them and win,” Blackburn said.

“Another team accomplishment was beating Deer Park in three sets,” Blackburn said. “The team came together and played so well. Each time we played teams for the second time during the season coaches would approach me and compliment the growth that the team has made. One opposing coach said that this is the best he has seen Huntington volleyball look in years.

With three seniors graduating off the varsity team, there will be some roster movement. “I expect some players to be elevated to varsity and look forward to working with the team again,” Blackburn said.