Massapequa Girls Volleyball Continue Strong Start With Win Over Port Washington

The Massapequa Girls Volleyball team has done it time and time again to their oppositions. Not only do the 11-time defending Nassau County champions win, but they win methodically and in a fast-paced manner. Massapequa defeated Port Washington at home in straight sets: 25-12, 25-11 and 25-10.

“Their trust is growing and it is showing on the court,” said Massapequa head coach Carol Ann Habeeb-Kiel. “We are stepping it up a notch on our serving game with jump-serving a lot more. We have some nice height this year, so we are pretty pleased with our blocking game.”

Massapequa set the tone early with a 13-point win to start. The Lady Chiefs showed the depth of their bench in the next game. With a fresh line-up on the floor, they only got stronger, winning the second by 14 followed by an even bigger margin of victory in the third frame.

Kerry Purcell led Massapequa with six kills, five aces and four blocks. Joanne Josephson contributed with four kills and three blocks. Heather Sweeney and Lauren Van Buren controlled the outside for the Chiefs with five kills each. Erin Bies led the way on defense with 10 digs against Port.

Heroes: Massapequa displayed their versatility and depth at the setter position, using three total. Katie Vedilago led with 12 assists, and Kristen Marchisotto and Samantha DePasquale both added seven.

“We are definitely coming together and everybody comes in with the same energy,” said Marchisotto. “It comes with a lot of practice and hard work.”

Turning Point: Massapequa controlled this match-up right from the get-go. The Chiefs only got stronger as they got deeper into the game against Port.

Quotable: “We are gelling a little bit better and feeling a little bit more comfortable,” said Habeeb-Kiel. “We have 15 people that have been playing all three games, so the dynamics are definitely going to be off, but they’re able to adapt and adjust quicker.”

“There was a lot we could’ve done better, but our girls worked hard,” said Port head coach Patty Borzon. “A lot of our seniors played really hard. I think we will have some wins coming up.”

Bottom Line: The Chiefs have advanced to 3-0 this season and won each meeting by sweeps, the other two being over Hicksville and Syosset.

Key Stat: Massapequa had four players record at least four kills in the three games against Port.

Who’s Next: Massapequa @ Farmingdale, 9/19, 6:30 p.m.; Port Washington @ Farmingdale, 9/21, 5:00 p.m.