A year after winning just once, the Elmont boys’ volleyball team is already five wins into a season that has taken a dramatically different turn.
The Spartans are 6-3 overall and 6-2 in Nassau Conference 2B play after a victory over Long Beach on Oct. 5, their third straight triumph. Elmont went 1-19 last season and snapped a 12-game losing streak by sweeping Mepham in the third match of the new campaign on Sept. 17.
“It’s day-in, day-out, a full-blown, top-to-bottom commitment, and that’s really special,” Elmont coach Ryan Straub said. “It’s paid off.”
Straub credited the turnaround to greater experience, confidence and commitment, along with lineup changes that included adopting a two-libero system. The result is a passing game that “has been way more consistent,” according to Straub.
Edwin Santos, who played junior varsity last season, has taken over as the serve-receive libero, while fellow senior Kevin Flores has handled the defensive libero role. Flores has 53 digs, while Santos’ contributions have been prominent, even though it doesn’t show up in the box scores.
“He has been huge for us, almost like he came out of nowhere,” Straub said of Santos.
Outside hitter and captain Menujan Nanthakumar has been another key contributor, leading Elmont with 74 digs and has 48 kills.
“He fills up the stat sheet,” Straub said of the senior. “He handles serve-receive responsibilities, and he puts the ball down as well. When we need a big kill, he’s a clutch player.”
Sophomore Noah Aifuobhokhan is a varsity newcomer and starter who has 48 kills and 60 digs. Junior Noah Alexandre leads the Spartans with 69 kills, including 20 against Manhasset.
Straub said Aifuobhokhan, Nanthakumar and Santos have been central to the passing game, allowing Alexandre and other attackers to take advantage of opportunities.
“When we have opportunities, we’re putting the ball down, which is huge,” he said.
Elmont also has received production from 6-foot-4 seniors Logan Whitehurst and Jose Galletti at the net. Whitehurst has 40 kills and 17 blocks, while Galletti has 33 kills and 15 blocks.
Straub called Whitehurst the team’s most improved player. Galletti, who is in his second year playing volleyball, has improved his blocking timing.
At setter, seniors Abdullah Nasir and Shiv Singh have each surpassed 100 assists. Straub said Nasir is playing with more confidence after being named a captain, while Singh has improved significantly through year-round volleyball.
Straub also praised senior Adi Singh for his versatility and willingness to accept whatever role the team needs.
“He’s really a team first guy,” Straub said.
Despite the turnaround, Straub said Elmont still needs greater consistency. The Spartans lost their first two matches and had a four-match winning streak stopped with a straight-sets loss at Lynbrook on Sept. 29.
“We know we have it in us,” Straub said. “We just need to be a little bit more consistent and close it out.”
For now, Straub said the focus remains on improving each day and taking the season game by game.
“If we keep having that level of commitment, which I know we will, we can definitely keep getting better and better,” he said.
