Strong finish for Lady Bulldogs

The Lady Bulldogs of Hewlett lived up to their nickname on the volleyball court during the latter part of the season, closing with a ferocious rush that earned them a share of the Conference A-2 title with two other teams and a spot in the Nassau Class A playoff bracket. 

“We had a long team meeting after we lost four of the first five,” said coach Marie Cesario, whose team beat Division in a first-round playoff matchup before losing to eventual county champion Wantagh in the quarterfinals. “Our chemistry picked up from there and we played up to our potential.”

Hewlett, which won its last seven conference matches, finished tied with Bethpage and Division for the title. Each team earned a share of the crown. “Bethpage swept us the first time and Division beat us in four [sets],” Cesario said. “The second time we played, we swept them both.”

The Lady Bulldogs (9-6 overall) drew Division in the playoffs, in the 8 vs. 9 seed matchup, and emerged with a 25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 25-22 win at home. Senior Vanessa Pierre had 16 kills, senior Allie Venditti had six aces and 15 digs, and junior Lacey Jaffe added six aces to lead the way.

Hewlett’s offense ran through sophomore setter Vanessa Collins, who had an All-Conference campaign and averaged 18 assists per match. Pierre, a middle hitter/blocker, led the team in kills and blocks and picked up All-County accolades. Jaffe and freshman Sam DiSalvo split time at middle hitter/blocker, seniors Blake Breitman and Jessica Venditti and junior Hannah Becker all contributed at outside hitter, Allie Venditti was an All-Conference selection at the opposite spot, and sophomore libero Sydney Rosenblum also made All-Conference.

The second-half surge began Oct. 13 with a sweep of Mepham and also included two wins over Valley Stream South and once each over Plainedge and Elmont.