Tough start for Lawrence

It hasn’t been the best of starts for Lawrence’s boys’ volleyball team with losses in each of its first four matches, but coach George Klein said he’s seen improvement every day and is optimistic it can work its way into the top half of Conference A-I.

“We have some guys in different positions and new players we’re working into the lineups,” said Klein, who brought back a handful of starters from a squad that reached the Nassau Class A quarterfinals last fall. “If we cut down on mistakes we’ll be right there.”

On paper, Jericho, Roslyn, and Floral Park are the leading contenders in a stacked conference with a guaranteed playoff spot for all. The Golden Tornadoes took a set apiece from Jericho and Roslyn and lost the fourth and final set by a 25-23 margin both times. Floral Park visits Lawrence Sept. 28. “We could’ve taken Jericho and Roslyn to five,” Klein said. “It’s just a matter of being more consistent.”

Offensively, Lawrence is just starting to find a groove with senior Tommy Napolitano moving from a defensive specialist — libero — to setter. “We’ve been inconsistent with setting and Tommy has the job at this point,” Klein said. “He’s doing a good job.”

Sophomore Denis Hickey slid into the opening at libero and has held down the fort nicely, while classmate Tommy Borfitz is the starting on the right side. Both showed they belonged again in a 25-20, 25-17, 25-23 loss to visiting West Hempstead last Thursday.

In the middle with junior C.J. Borfitz and senior Will Helicher is where Lawrence can enjoy matchup advantages against most opponents. Borfitz, a three-year varsity performer, is 6-foot-4, while the newcomer Helicher is 6-7. “We look to C.J. to put the ball away,” Klein said. “He’s tough to defend.” The addition of Helicher, a former football player improving day by day, has boosted the team’s defense at the net. He and C.J. Borfitz form a tremendous blocking tandem,
Klein said.

At outside hitter, seniors Ayal Ciobotaru and A.J. Gallo bring solid all-around games and experience. They’ll be the go-to guys when opponents key on C.J. Borfitz.

A rematch with Roslyn takes place Friday at Lawrence Middle School at 4:45 p.m.

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