59.0°,
Mostly Cloudy Lady Rocks net No. 1 seed
Each summer when the dog days of August roll around, the East Rockaway girls’ volleyball team assembles to begin preseason workouts. But November is when things really start to heat up for the Lady Rocks, who have won six county titles and four Long Island championships since the turn of the century.
The Lady Rocks capped off a 9-5 regular season with a 25-21, 25-23, 21-25, 25-20 victory over Wheatley, and head to the Nassau Class C playoffs as the top seed. Senior right side hitter Sarah Reid had four kills and three aces for East Rockaway who will meet No. 4 Oyster Bay this Saturday at 6:30 pm at South Side High School.
First-year coach Ksenia Ferrand likes the way the team is playing heading into the postseason. “I have very high expectations for this group,” Ferrand said. “I knew that we had a lot of skilled returnees, but the girls had to make a lot of adjustments throughout the year. We’ve really grown and bonded into a strong team. I believe this team has the potential to go very far in the playoffs.”
One of those skilled performers is Katie Barto. The senior setter had 15 assists in a five-set victory over Clarke midway through the season. Proving that she can do far more than make picture-perfect passes, the multi-talented Barto added nine kills and six service aces.
Barto’s versatility has been key. “Katie is strong in all areas of the game,” Ferrand said. “She has a strong serve, understands the game, and is certainly a leader on the court. She gives us a lot of experience.”
Becky Italiano has had a strong senior season at outside hitter. Italiano, who is a defensive specialist, passes well and has good volleyball intelligence. Her seven kills and 11 digs helped East Rockaway to a three-game sweep of Carle Place. Mackenzie Hecht and Molly Bastow both contribute at outside hitter.
Senior middle hitter Lindsey Dinowitz has played an integral role in the team’s success. Dinowitz is an excellent server and a force at the net. Ferrand cites improved foot speed and explosiveness as keys to her improved overall game. Despite the position being new to her, junior Gianna Cilluffo has played very well at middle hitter.
