Vikings Volleyball Wins Eighth Straight Match

The Schreiber Vikings continued their dominant play in Conference II on Monday by defeating a very high-spirited Herricks Highlanders squad in three straight games — 25-23, 25-17 and 25-15.

The Vikings (12-2 Conference II, 12-3 overall) started off a little sloppy, and trailed in the first game by as many as five points. Daniel Sapienza had two big kills early in the game to keep the Vikings in the match, while tri-captain Dan Bernstein served for seven points to keep them within striking distance. But eventually the Vikings regained their composure and outscored Herricks 14-8 to finish the game with a two-point win.

"We're a little bit more comfortable on the court," coach Maria Giamanco said after the victory. "We're a little bit more relaxed. We're gaining some momentum for the playoffs and that's always a good thing."

The second game was not as difficult a task for the Vikings, who coasted to a 13-5 lead that they would not relinquish. Solid play from Ben Adler, as well as several kills from Bernstein, led to a 25-17 Schreiber win.

The third game was another impressive performance from Bernstein and company, as the tri-captain served 11 straight points to start the game and gave the Vikings a 12-1 lead.

"I think we've been doing pretty well," Bernstein said of his team. "I think that the beginning of the season with Plainview and Massapequa was tough. Those were two tough teams. Now I think that we would give them a better game. Our team chemistry is building and our defense has gotten much better."

The Vikings led by as many as 13 in the third game, and eventually prevailed by a score of 25-15.

Bernstein finished the match will 16 kills and six aces in total, while Sapienza added another six kills and 12 digs. Tri-captain Sung Kim had 30 assists.

Schreiber still has a few games left in the regular season before the playoffs start, including a big matchup with the undefeated Massapequa Chiefs on the road on Friday.

"We still have two big games to get through," Giamanco said. "Uniondale always gives us some tough competition and, of course, Massapequa hasn't lost yet. We have a tall order ahead of us."

But the Vikings have put any past struggles behind them, and while a county championship is still their main goal, the team is taking things one game at a time.

"If you lose your focus, you lose everything," Giamanco added. "I'm comfortable with where we are right now going into the playoffs. I think we're progressing at the right pace and hopefully we'll peak in the playoffs."

The Vikings will look to extend their win streak at home on Wednesday against Uniondale at 4:30 p.m.