Oceanside rides win streak

A rebuilt Oceanside boys’ volleyball team has come a long way in a short time.

The Sailors, who lost five starters from a year ago, worked through some kinks in the early going and haven’t been beaten since a five-set loss to Levittown District on Sept. 17. They’ve won seven consecutive matches and entered this week’s action with a record of 9-2 in Conference A-II.

“We’ve done a lot of growing up since the two losses,” Oceanside coach Chris Harkins said. “Both came within our first four matches. We’re a much different team now. With a little more consistency and the way we’ve been playing, we’re hoping for better results the second time around against Levittown and Valley Stream Central.”

The Sailors competed in the top conference last season, barely missing the playoffs, and Harkins is looking for a return to A-I in 2015. “I thought this year we’d rebuild and do everything possible to get back to the top conference next season,” he said. “We’ve got a very balanced lineup with four juniors, a sophomore, and a freshman starting.”

Harkins, a setter during his playing days, said it all starts with junior captains Brandon Davis and Justin Roth. “As setters, they’re the most important players on the court, and they’re both having a strong season,” Harkins said. “They’re getting more crafty and also set each other up.”

Davis, who played more of a defensive role a year ago, has 163 assists, 93 kills and 34 service aces. He leads the team in all three categories. Roth has 154 assists, 81 kills and 19 aces.  

In the middle, junior captain Scott Sterenberg and freshman Anthony Romeo complement each other well. Sterenberg is a polished hitter with 74 kills and a .316 hitting percentage. He also features a jump serve that’s tough to handle. “Scott makes good decisions and has a strong feel for the game,” Harkins said. Romeo, who’s made the difficult transition from the middle school team to varsity look smooth, has 55 blocks. “He’s steady and just goes about his business,” Harkins said.

Junior Justin Halper (66 blocks, 27 aces) and sophomore Tom Wolwebber (73 kills) are the starting outside hitters. Halper is the team’s hardest hitter, Harkins said. “His vertical is incredible,” the coach noted. “He’s 5-8, but his chin gets over the net when he jumps.” Wolwebber has improved each match and is starting to find a groove, Harkins said.

When the Sailors are in need of a defensive spark, the coach said he calls upon junior Ed Roth. “He’s versatile and reliable,” Harkins said.

Oceanside’s wins have come against Uniondale, Hicksville, Clarke, Plainedge, Hempstead, Carey, Elmont, Sewanhaka, and Valley Stream North.

Since only the conference champion advances to the playoffs, the Sailors must run the table and win their last five to have a chance to catch Levittown and Valley Stream Central. “We don’t want to look ahead, but we know what we’ve got to do,” Harkins said.