52.0°,
Overcast Perfect start for Falcons
Valley Stream South boys’ volleyball coach George Karahalios sensed 2011 could be a special year for his team months before practice got under way.
“We had such a strong commitment from every kid throughout the summer,” said Karahalios, a 2003 Valley Stream South graduate who played three years of varsity volleyball. “We had workouts twice a day and everyone attended. It gave us a great head start.”
The Falcons, who finished .500 last season and reached the second round of the Nassau Class A playoffs, are running on all cylinders this fall. They improved to 9-0 in Conference V with a four-set victory over Garden City Oct. 14.
“We’re more explosive and our defense has also improved,” said senior middle hitter Jack Palleschi, who had 15 kills and eight blocks in the 25-13, 25-11, 23-25, 25-17 win. “We’re communicating well and hoping to go far.”
Palleschi joined the program last year for the first time after it moved from a spring sport to the fall and went on to earn All-Conference honors. He previously had a conflict with baseball. “Even though he was one of our best hitters last year, Jack is dramatically improved,” Karahalios said. “His decision making is great and he’s not forcing hits. He consistently finds an open spot.”
Through nine matches, Palleschi had 142 kills and 81 blocks to lead the Falcons in both categories. Senior Mike Senale, who had six kills and three blocks against Garden City, is another key piece in the middle.
South’s offense runs through the confident hands of senior setter Kenny Gerasimovich, who missed a chunk of 2010 with an ankle injury. With 20 assists in the win over Garden City, Gerasimovich upped his total on the season to 184. He’s also chipped in 60 kills. “Kenny’s so athletic and he puts 120 percent of his energy into every point,” Karahalios said. “He’s got great vision and hands. He sets with pinpoint accuracy to any position.”
On Oct. 12 at Bethpage, Gerasimovich dished out 22 assists and had nine kills as the Falcons outlasted the Golden Eagles in five sets: 21-25, 25-16, 25-22, 12-25, 25-23.
