Wantagh Girls Volleyball Moves to Nassau County Title Match

 Thel girls volleyball team continued its undefeated run Monday night with a three-set win over South Side in the Nassau County Class A semifinals at Long Beach High School. The win by set scores of 26-24, 25-7 and 25-17 over the Cyclones advances the Warriors (15-0) into the Nassau County championship against Bellmore-Kennedy Wednesday at CW Post.

Hero- After struggling to find a rhythm in the first set when it trailed 24-19, the entire Wantagh team responded to a timeout called by head coach Katie McKeefrey and managed to fend off five set points before pulling off the game 26-24. "It was a little rough early on," said Coach McKeefrey. "I had to call a time out to remind them of the circumstances of the game. It was simple, if we win we move on and if lose our season is over." Wantagh scored seven straight points to close the first set with the final two scored by Lauren Pennino on a solid block and kill.

Turning Point- After Wantagh won the first set in a thrilling fashion, they came into the next set with a ton of energy and momentum.. The Warriors  blew the gates wide open and won the game 25-7 putting the match well under control.  South Side fought back in the third set but still fell 25-17.

Quote- Coach McKeefrey said after the win, "Our setters played well, digging the ball to the left and right. We really woke up after that first game and got back to our basics of team play. We play well together and the girls have a lot of fun out there on the court."

Bottom Line- Wantagh will now face Bellmore-Kennedy in the Nassau County Championships on Wednesday at CW Post starting at 6:30 p.m. The Warriors defeated Kennedy in last year's county title match and won two close five-set contests in the regular season this year.  It should be an exciting match up as both teams will put everything on the line to represent Nassau County in the Long Island Championship.

Key Stats-
Lauren Pennino- 15 kills 5 blocks
Anna Paulik- 8 kills
Jen Lipski- 4 blocks 5 kills
Carrissa Gagliardi- 13 digs

Teams                 1               2                 3                            Final
South Side          24              7                17                              0
Wantagh             26             25               25                              3

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