East Meadow still thinking playoffs

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Competing in Nassau County’s premier boys’ volleyball conference had its challenges for East Meadow, which predominantly hung tough and earned one of the top five playoff seeds.

Last year, however, was a bit of a struggle as the Jets managed just four victories. Their record, combined with few experienced returnees, prompted a move to Conference A2 where they’ve soared to an 8-3 mark with three matches remaining.

“We’ve been living in Conference 1 for a long time and hung in there,” coach Rachel Barry said. “We have an athletic team every year. We didn’t bring back a lot of varsity kids this year, which was a big reason for the drop. Being in Conference 2 is a great fit. We’re way more competitive.”

Unlike the top conference, there are no automatic playoff spots for teams in Conference 2. Only the top two finishers are guaranteed a postseason berth, and with Syosset on the verge of clinching the title, second place is up for grabs between Herricks and East Meadow. “We played Syosset tough the second time around, but they are hands-down the best team in the conference,” Barry said of the Jets’ 15-25, 12-25, 25-22, 24-26 loss on Oct. 10. “They hadn’t lost a set until that day and we challenged them for sure.”

Herricks won nine of its first 10 but still has to face Syosset again and will travel to East Meadow this Friday for a 4:45 p.m. showdown. “Herricks was our biggest letdown,” Barry said of the five-set setback on Oct. 2. “If we can handle everything up until then, the rematch will decide second place and who goes to playoffs.”

The Jets returned just one full-time starter, junior middle hitter Jason Hendler, who leads them in kills, blocks and service aces. His across-the-board contributions were on display Oct. 4 when his 14 kills, 5 blocks and 4 aces led the way in a four-set victory over Oceanside. “He’s one of the top kids in the conference,” Barry said. “He’s an amazing team player and leader.”

Senior Dean Lanza is also working in the middle after getting a taste of the varsity court a year ago. He hits well with both arms, the coach noted, and brings a positive vibe. “He’s the fire we need on and off the court,” Barry said.

While Hendler is the go-to hitter, senior Anthony Rigolli has emerged as an outside hitter and plays the full rotation. “He passes well and swings hard,” Barry said.

Junior Kyle Nelson brings a tremendous set of hands and great size (6-foot-4) to the right side, and he’s contributed equally to the offensive and defensive success. Junior Anthony Cavanagh (36 assists against Oceanside) is developing into a strong setter with excellent court awareness, while senior Sam Stein has made an impact at the position as well. Senior Noah Silverman and junior Josh Wax lead the defense and serve-receive, and senior Jeff Liu, junior Evan Haber and sophomore Alex Kimak have gotten the job done when called upon.