Lady Owls face many challenges

With only three returning starters and a challenging Conference A-I schedule that includes two matches apiece against the defending Nassau Class A and B champions, Lynbrook’s girls’ volleyball team has its work cut out for it.

“We don’t have an easy match, that’s for sure,” Lady Owls coach Natalie Hamilton said. “We’ve got a young team and how well we do is going to depend on how we come together.”

Having senior setter Taylor Garrett back to lead the offense is a big plus, Hamilton said. Garrett earned Honorable Mention All-County honors a year ago and has picked up where she left off. “Taylor’s a strong all-around player, so we’re using her as a hitter when she’s in the front row,” Hamilton said. “She’s also a real leader. She’s always helping her teammates.”

Senior Jill Chyriwski and junior Kasey Keller also bring starting experience to the court. Chyriwski works as an outside hitter along with senior Stephanie Monahan and sophomore Sydney Sullivan, while Keller plays in the middle along with junior Annamarie D’Agostino.

Both Sullivan and D’Agostino stepped into large roles at the varsity level after helping lead the JV last season. “They’re working well with Taylor and getting comfortable with the offense,” Hamilton said.  

Defensively, Lynbrook’s top performer is freshman libero Nicole Milillo. One of five players on the team competing in club volleyball, Milillo has been solid from the back row and boasts a strong serve. “She has taken on a big responsibility and is playing well,” Hamilton said. “She’s our primary defender.”

Lynbrook was competitive against Roslyn and Kennedy in its first two matches, but not so much last Saturday against defending county Class A champion Wantagh. 

Hamilton said she’s looking forward to this week’s tests against defending county Class B champion West Hempstead, and Garden City. “We played Garden City in a tournament a few weeks ago and split games,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll take that experience and use it to our advantage.”

Other contributors for the Lady Owls are seniors Victoria Berti and Victoria Henenlotter, and juniors Nicolette Franco, Rebecca Tisdell, Shannon Baker, Leslie Rodriguez and Caitlin Christy.

Lynbrook visits Garden City on Thursday at 4:15 p.m.