Hills Boys Volleyball Moves to 11-0 with Impressive Victory

Records: HHH (11-0), Eastport South Manor (14-1)

The Heroes: If there was a "Man of the Match" for this specific game, senior middle Christopher Kaimis certainly would have won it. Kaimis played an extraordinary game today, helping Hills win in three straight games, to improve their record to 11 wins and zero losses.

They will try and go for their second consecutive undefeated season after three more regular season games.

Kaimis started the day off to a slow start with only 4 kills in the first game, which was low for this All-County middle. Kaimis picked up his play in the second game, with 7 kills and a monstrous strike to win a pivotal game two in this match.

He finished the day with All-State numbers: 14 kills, and an astounding 9 blocks.

Alongside Kaimis were his great teammates Michael DeGrazia, who had 12 kills, and James Barone, who had 6 kills.

"It's always a team effort who wins the games...no one person can win it all," said Kaimis. 

The Turning Point: In this tightly contested match between HHH and the Eastport Sharks, big kills and big blocks were present throughout this close match.

Although Hills managed to sweep the Sharks in three straight games, the scores were very close: In the first game, the Colts won by only 2 points, 25 to 23.

The second game Hills won 26-24, and the third game Hills won 25-20.

Throughout the first game, both teams went back and forth constantly until the score was tied at 20. Sharks served the ball and Hills beautifully bumped, set, and the ball was spiked down ferociously by Chris Kaimis, not even a returnable ball. The crowd roared and Kaimis yelled and high-fived his teammates.

Hills went smoothly through the second game, winning it in overtime 26-24, due to Eastport's 5 straight errors in the end.

But the main turning point was toward the end of the match, when in game three, Hills had game point 24-19.

Mike Degrazia hit a great shot that looked to be clearly on the line but the Eastport line judge called the shot out.

As the Colts were celebrating their "win" they were forced to play another point, with the score now 24-20. The Hills team was angry now, and pumped up to finally beat this undefeated Shark team.

For the final point, Jordan Flerx and Mike DeGrazia blocked the Sharks shot for the win. The team was overjoyed with their win, and it was certainly well deserved. 

Key Stat: The number of kills that Hills had. In all, Hills accumulated about 35 kills, compared to the Sharks who had 22.

"The more kills you have, the better your chances of winning are...not only because of the points you're winning from the kills, but the momentum and confidence boosts the team's attitude as well, " explained senior setter Max Willinger. 

The Quote: Senior right side hitter Jordan Flerx from Hills East had this to say about the team's win: "We came into the game underestimating our opponent--the Shark Tank-but sent them back to where they belong. We're on top now."

Seems as though the team beat a tough competitor and will hopefully carry their momentum and confidence into the next few games and the playoffs. 

The Bottom Line: Hills, a 10-0 team going into the matchup, defeated the 14-0 Eastport Sharks in the match, proving a point to potential teams waiting to play Hills in the playoffs.

By defeating one of the best teams in Suffolk County, Hills will be ready to face the playoffs with a mindset to make it all the way to States, seeking their first-ever possible New York State championship.

Who's Next? Hills hosts its next home game Wednesday, October 27th at 5:45 PM against Connetquot.

Box Score:

Game One Points: 25

Game Two Points: 26

Game Three Points: 25

Game One Points: 23

Game Two Points: 24

Game Three Points: 20