The returning county runners-up experienced a tough start to this season, but they look to bounce back. The boys are coming off of a very successful 2017 season where they placed second in their conference. With the absence of big-time players like Billy Murphy and Michael Lane, both of whom went on to play college volleyball, the 2018-2019 squad is a very different team. Although the team is young in experience, they are rich in talent and potential.

These aspects are essential while competing in the B1 conference. Team captain Thomas Giacomello said, “We have greatly improved with team chemistry.”

In addition to the sky-high potential of the the young varsity squad, chemistry is instrumental to the outcome of this year’s season, as Tom recognized. Tom continued, “The B1 conference has gotten stronger from last year. Every game is competitive.”

With the talent pool greatly expanded, the boys need the chemistry and talent of last year perhaps even more. This level of competition makes it hard for any volleyball analyst to predict the outcome of this year’s season. Bellmore’s varsity team has dominated Nassau County high school volleyball in the past few years; however, the stronger teams in the conference may prove to be a challenge for the Cougars.

So is defeating the returning Long Island Champions, Bellmore, a reachable goal? Sean Dalton said, without doubt, “Yes.” This confidence should be a helpful factor as the team enters the playoffs on October 29th.

All team captains and teammates strongly agree with Sean. Although the Eagles know they can win against high caliber teams such as Bellmore, they realize that it will take hard work with a mix of much-needed team chemistry.

Another member of the team who asked to remain anonymous for largely annoying reasons, described his goals: “We are taking the season one game at a time, trying to make it as far as we can in the playoffs.”

Come support the Boys Volleyball team as they start the 2018 playoffs with the hope of taking the county title.