Boys Volleyball Edges Out Huntington, 3-0

Hauppauge boys varsity volleyball managed to keep the ball in bounds, edging out Huntington in three close matches (25-23, 25-21, 25-23) to claim victory. It was a true team win, as every member of the team spent time on the court. This victory puts the Eagles up in the standings, moving to 4-3, a step back in the right direction.

Score: Hauppauge 3, Huntington 0

Records: Hauppauge 4-3, Huntington 0-7

The Heroes: Senior Jon Velazquez for managing to pull the Eagles together on the court and keep them playing as a team, coach Chris Varthalamis said. Velazquez had 15  spikes spread across the matches..  When added to his  serves, he contributed many  points for Hauppauge.

Outside setter Matthew Agnello moved in stride with Velazquez, setting up 21 assists and making several blocks at key moments in the front row. His efforts allowed Eagles to keep momentum and a point ahead of the Huntington Blue Devils.

The Turning Point: Hauppauge was a bit slow to warm up after the travel, falling behind in the first match, 9 - 14.  William Adams served up 9 points for Hauppauge. His powerful serves deep in the Blue Devil's back lines changed momentum of the match, leaving Huntington scrambling to catch up.

The Quote:  "My intent today was to play as many people as possible. When you do that you want a captain who can hold the team down," Varthalamis said,  speaking of  Velazquez.

The Bottom Line:  Hauppauge pulled together as a team, proving that they could keep their heads in the game even when it became 23-24 in the third match. The lesson is it doesn't matter who is on the floor, with leadership and teamwork they can come home victorious. It's a lesson that should serve them well if carried into their upcoming games.

Who's Next? The Eagles host Shoreham-Wading River on Friday, 5:45 p.m.