Big first half for Oceanside

Returning a strong senior group gave Oceanside girls’ volleyball coach Amy Muchnick a good feeling heading into the season, and so far the team has delivered with positive results.

The Lady Sailors concluded the first half of the Conference AA/C2 schedule with an impressive sweep of Malverne on Oct. 1 to improve to 5-1. They trail conference-leading Hicksville by a game as the season turns the corner. “I was excited for the season because I knew this senior class would be amazing leaders and determined to win,” Muchnick said. “We also have strong juniors. All the girls have drive and passion. They practice and play hard, and want what’s best for the team.”

Muchnick often determines Oceanside’s starting lineup on the previous day’s practice or even during warm-ups before she fills out the paperwork for officials. Usually, anywhere from eight to 10 players contribute in a match. “We have a well-balanced team,” she said. “I usually get a good feel for everyone during warm-ups.”

Three constants have been senior captains Allison Riordan, Erin Kelly, and Colleen Kelly. Erin and Colleen are twins. “They’ve really stepped up and grown as players,” Muchnick said of the first-year starters who contributed as reserves in 2013.

Erin Kelly filled one of the team’s voids at setter and is a calming presence on the court, Muchnick said. “Erin’s the total package,” she noted. “She communicates well and is one of our top passers and servers.” Senior Pryscilla Perez and junior Tori Memos are both working at setter as well. “They both have powerful serves and are doing a good job passing,” Muchnick said. “Tori will be our No. 1 setter next year.”

Colleen Kelly, an outside hitter, has a powerful serve and smash. “Colleen’s serve is like a cannon,” Muchnick said.

Riordan, also an outside hitter, can deliver points as well as prevent them with her blocking ability. “We know what we’re going to get from Allison every match,” Muchnick said. “She’s a selfless player who brings great enthusiasm.”

Depth at the position behind Colleen Kelly and Riordan is provided by junior Taylor Eisel.

In the middle, junior Elizabeth Campo and senior Ruby Klein are making things difficult for opponents with their height, blocking ability and court awareness, Muchnick said. In the back row, senior libero Courtney Jansen is a defensive gem who the coach said would run through a wall to win a point.

In addition to Malverne, Oceanside has defeated Oyster Bay, Hempstead, Uniondale and Freeport. The Lady Sailors’ only loss came at home in four sets against Hicksville in early September. The rematch is Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m. “It was a really close match the first time,” Muchnick said. “We’re looking forward to playing them again.”

Five of Oceanside’s six second-half matches are on the road. The home finale is Oct. 17 against Oyster Bay at 4:30 p.m. “We’ll see what the second half has to offer,” Muchnick said. “We’ll be on the road a lot, so it’ll be a challenge.”