Calhoun Boys Volleyball Tops Elmont

The Calhoun High School boys volleyball team faced off against Elmont at home Tuesday to kick off its league play schedule. 

Led by senior captain Jacob Greenberg and junior Joseph Hernandez, the Colts (1-1) took down the Spartans of Elmont High School in four sets, 25-8, 25-16, 18-25, 25-11.

Despite coming off of a tough, but close, loss to a powerful Uniondale team, the Colts rebounded well on Tuesday and will look to turn the page and move forward to improve upon what has been somewhat of a shaky start to their 2010 season.

This Calhoun squad is filled with playmakers and the potential has third-year head coach Heather Glick thinking about vast improvements.

"We definitely have good chemistry on the team this year. We have more team players this year," she said. "We expect that when we fall into tough situations, for our team to pull together and do better than expected."

Elmont was able to start out quickly in the first set, taking a 6-5 lead. However, led by strong serving from junior co-captain Corey Sweeney, Calhoun took over to cruise to an opening set win.

The Spartans began to pick up their play again, staying close until senior Jonathan Baldyga served up two big aces to swing the momentum drastically in Calhoun's favor in the following frame.

Unforced errors hindered the Colts, causing them to drop the third set, but were able to pick up the pace and intensity to close out the match, three sets to Elmont's one.

Joseph Hernandez contributed with seven big kills as well as a team-high six aces. He was set up for some big spikes that got Calhoun going late in the match to eventually put the Spartans away.

"I expect a winning record this year. We have it in us to do it. The potential is there to be a winning team," Hernandez said. "I just try to stay positive on the court and make sure nobody gets down on themselves, because that's when the mistakes will start to happen."

Co-captain Jacob Greenberg also contributed with seven kills and a block for the Colts.  Jonathan Baldyga was key in setting up his teammates, finishing with a team-high 10 assists.

"We played well and were working out there, especially after dropping the third set," Baldyga said. "Our passing was good, our hitting was good, and we got a couple of aces."

Elmont, coached by Alan Schuler, was led by solid serving from senior Joseph Reid and tough play from junior Justin Andrews. However, they were outmatched by the teamwork and crisp passing of the Colts, factors that coach Glick hopes to carry them to the end.

"I hope to finish higher up in the conference and advance to at least the second round of the playoffs at the end of the season," said Glick, setting goals for her Colts squad.

Calhoun has two matches on the road, with the first Thursday against Hewlett, before facing off against their ever-powerful crosstown rivals, Kennedy High, next Wednesday.