Editor's Note: This article was written and submitted by Andrew Coen.
The John F. Kennedy High School girls volleyball team enters its regular season finale Friday against Hewlett at fourth place in the Conference A-1 standings with a 9-5 record, but head coach Allan Ma believes the Cougars have what it takes to be championship contenders when the postseason commences.
Kennedy last won a Nassau County title in 2008 before dropping championship matches to Wantagh the next two years. After a three-set loss to neighborhood rival Wantagh Wednesday at home in which the Cougars were close in each game, Ma stressed that if mental mistakes can be minimized his team has the ability to extend the season deep into November.
“We have to stay positive and play together,” said Coach Ma moments after Kennedy’s setback to Wantagh by set scores of 25-23, 25-22 and 25-22.
Kennedy boasts six seniors in 2012 led by co-captains Kerry Stalzer and Jamie Demmett, who are both four-year starters. Ma said his captains and seniors have been great leaders for the five freshmen on the team.
“They have been great role models for the younger players,” he said. “They have been outstanding.”
Two of Kennedy’s wins in 2012 have come against South Side and Long Beach, who are both ahead of the Cougars in the standings. The Class A playoffs are expected to be a wide open battle between Kennedy, Wantagh, South Side and Long Beach for trying to claim that Nassau County title.
Wantagh has captured the last three county championships.
Kennedy will learn its first round playoff opponent after this Friday’s regular season finale at home against Hewlett when the brackets are announced. First serve for Friday’s match is scheduled for 5 p.m.
What do you think the Kennedy girls volleyball team’s potential is? Tell us in the comments below.
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