Calhoun aims to regain title

Calhoun is looking to regain Nassau County boys’ volleyball championship status after capturing the Class A title in the spring of 2021 and finishing runner-up to Roslyn last fall.

The Colts, with 10 seniors including a handful who were a key part of the title run two seasons ago, are showing signs they’ll be the No. 1 seed in the 12-team bracket with wins in 8 of their first 10 matches.

“We’ve beaten every team we could possibly see in the playoffs, but we know Roslyn and Great Neck North are tough opponents,” Calhoun coach Ryan Pastuch said. “We’re a senior-heavy team that works hard and wants to win. These guys haven’t forgotten last year’s county finals.”

Roslyn, which lost to Calhoun in the semifinals in the spring of 2021, took the crown last season in 5 sets. The teams also went the distance in this year’s first of to meetings Sept. 29 with the Colts rallying from two sets down to win. The rematch is Oct. 26 at Roslyn.

“We were definitely looking forward to that match and it was intense as expected,” Pastuch said. “They played well the first two sets before we found our groove. Roslyn is an experienced team like we are, and if we meet in the playoffs again it’s going to come down to who brings it that day.”

The Colts also face Great Neck North once more after winning the first meeting in 4 sets. Pastuch said the Blazers feature a pair of threats in the middle standing 6-foot-8 and 6-4. The Class A final will be played Nov. 8.

Based on its talent, recent track record and experience, Calhoun will be difficult to knock off.

Senior middle hitter Tommy Bello has picked up where he left off last season when he earned All-Long Island honors and was one of many Colts named to the All-Tournament Team. He’s their leader in kills and blocks.

“Tommy’s our go-to guy and knows where to hit the ball,” Pastuch said. “He has great court awareness and is a great leader.”

Senior right side Matt Kalfas is a four-year starter with a deadly jump serve, the coach noted, and an All-County resume in multiple sports. The powerful lefty leads the team in aces while ranking second in kills and digs. “He’s such a powerful, aggressive and consistent server and hitter, and also a strong defender,” Pastuch said.

Senior Brian Sanchez sets the defensive tone and leads all of Nassau in digs with 230. Sanchez earned All-County and All-Tournament honors last fall. “He’s a dynamic defender and gets us into sync with serve-receive and passing,” Pastuch said.

Senior Ryan Pucella is a third-year starting setter, also All-County and All-Tournament, and has the Colts’ offense running smooth. “He’s blossomed into a standout and can set the ball anywhere on the court,” Pastuch said.

Seniors Sean DiPaola and Luke Gallo are the starting outside hitters, and junior Max Jose is a key in the front row. Senior Dylan Palmer and junior Sam Saldarelli are defensive sparks.