VSN excels in new conference

A year after finishing atop Nassau Conference A4 girls’ volleyball in undefeated fashion, Valley Stream North is doing more than simply holding its own against stiffer competition.

The Lady Spartans pushed Conference A3 frontrunner Mepham to the limit Oct. 10, falling at home in five sets in their quest to move into a first-place tie. The Lady Pirates clinched a playoff berth and need one win in its last three matches to secure the top spot.

“It was an intense match and I told the girls they can’t be too upset because they really brought everything they had,” VSN coach Mary Parisi said. “Mepham swept us the first time and we didn’t put up as good of a fight as we wanted. We learned from it and we were ready this time.”

North, which slipped to 9-2, won the first and fourth sets. Mepham (11-0) took the decisive fifth set, 25-19. “We pumped up the match all week and had a lot of fan support,” said Parisi, who added she’s hopeful junior Ellie Katz can return soon from an ankle injury suffered in the second set. “Both teams played great,” she added. “Now we have to refocus and try to clinch the playoffs.”

If the Lady Spartans can sweep their three remaining opponents, they’ll seal the second and final playoff position available in the conference. Great Neck South, Division and New Hyde Park comprise the rest of the regular-season schedule. “We brought back 90 percent of the team, but I wasn’t sure how we’d handle the conference jump,” Parisi said. “Elmont was our first major test and we beat them in five. We scrimmaged them last year, so that match was on our radar. Winning gave our girls confidence.”

The aforementioned victory at Elmont on Sept. 10 was a marathon. After dropping the third set, 29-27, to fall behind in the match, North rallied with 25-20 and 25-23 decisions in the next two to win it.

Strong communication on the floor has been a key factor, Parisi said. Third-year starting setter Hayley Nelson, a sophomore, is one of the biggest reasons for the team’s chemistry. “She’s a gem,” Parisi said. “She’s irreplaceable on the court. Not only is she a great passer, she can also hit and defend.”

One of Nelson’s targets is senior middle hitter/blocker Tess Drosman, who is a captain and vocal leader. “She can hit the ball anywhere and has a great vertical,” Parisi said. Junior Sasha Smalls also starts in the middle and brings consistency, while hard-hitting freshman Kayla Santo and senior Aniko Ouwendjik attack from the outside.

Defensively, senior libero Emily Soldatic sets the tone. She’s averaging 18 digs per match and had 25 in the win over Elmont. “She’s all over the floor and our best passer,” Parisi explained. “We move her around based on the opponent’s strengths. She’s even doing some hitting from the back row.” Other reliable defensive contributors include junior Jillian Cosme and sophomores Alessandre Llubit and Karen Ye.