Blue Devils Qualify for Playoffs on Senior Day
October 31 , 2024
The Huntington girls’ volleyball team won a marathon match against Bellport on Senior Day at Louis D. Giani Gymnasium. The four set victory propelled the Blue Devils into the Section XI playoffs where the team will play at No. 1 Half Hollow Hills West today (Thursday) at 5 p.m.
Before a large crowd, Huntington topped the Clippers in the first two games, 25-19 and 25-21 before dropping the third game by a 25-17 score. The Blue Devils captured the fourth game, 25-21 to win the match and lock-up a playoff spot.
This mark’s Huntington’s first back-to-back playoff appearances in consecutive seasons in 26 years. The Blue Devils are coached by Todd Donaghy. Senior Liva Camarata brought the house down with an uplifting rendition of The Star Spangled Banner to kick off the match.
Lauren Donaghy led Huntington with 12 kills, 24 assists, 15 digs and four service aces. Emily Barba had nine kills, 12 digs and six service aces. The Blue Devils’ full team effort also featured fine play from Kymora Dorvilus (five kills, two digs and a block), Bella Morris (five kills and five digs), Dakota Respass (five kills and eight digs), Jocelyn Thorbourne (one kill, two assists and five digs) and Madelyn Falk (four 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.)
Prior to the match, the Blue Devils honored seniors Lauren Donaghy, Brianna Borenstein and Bella Morris. Coach Donaghy and several underclassmen spoke about each of the seniors in glowing terms.
The gym was decorated with blue and white balloons, streamers and photo posters, commemorating the careers of the teenagers.
The seniors were joined on the court by their parents and family members. In a classy move, Bellport’s players and coaches sat nearby on their bench and also paid tribute to the Huntington trio.
The senior’s teammates took turns talking about each of them, expressing their admiration, affection and love.
Coach 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.
