Thursday, October 1, 2026
After consecutive trips to the Nassau County final four, including a run that ended with a loss in the county championship last season, the West Hempstead boys’ volleyball team figured to have a tough road to travel in 2010.
The Rams, who finished with an overall record of 14-5 a season ago, had to replace four three-year starters. Changing boys’ volleyball from a spring sport to a fall sport also meant that the rebuilding process would be done during an abbreviated offseason.
The Rams have more than risen to the occasion. After a three-game sweep of Clarke (25-19, 25-21, 25-22), West Hempstead is an impressive 6-2 in Conference III. Seniors Chad Maccou (eight) and Vinny Gazzara combined for 15 kills, and sophomore Eric Finkelstein added 27 assists.
Head coach Andrew Wilson is pleased with the progress of his relatively inexperienced team. “We have a nice mix of seniors, juniors, and sophomores, but most haven’t played at the varsity level,” Wilson said. “We don’t have a star player to rely on to carry us, so we’ve had to spread the ball out. The boys are still learning how to play together.”
West Hempstead got out of the gate fast, winning its first three matches. After sweeping Sewanhaka and Wantagh, the Rams traveled to Roslyn. The Rams won the first two games, decisively, but the Bulldogs came back to win the next two. Despite falling behind by five points in the fifth and deciding game, the Rams rallied for a 25-14, 25-13, 18-25, 21-25, 25-20 win. Gazzara had 11 kills, Maccou added 10, and Finkelstein had 32 assists.
The Rams had another five-set match when they took on Lawrence. Trailing two sets to one, Lawrence rallied to force a fifth set. It turned out to be a classic. With Finkelstein setting up Gazzara, Maccou and senior Nick Giovanelli, West Hempstead escaped with a 24-26, 25-10, 25-15, 19-25, 25-19 victory. Finkelstein, who has also been the team’s most consistent server, finished with a career-high 41 assists.
West Hempstead has received solid play from senior Darnell Davy, who has seen action at outside hitter and libero. Senior Jason Arasmo, who is nursing a thumb injury, has been a strong server, and has also done well at libero. Sophomore Chris McAvoy has been consistent at opposite hitter.
Sophomore Tom Wood, and juniors Reggie Reyna, Juan Romero, and Pat D’haiti have all contributed. Wilson gives props to senior Tim Wirtz for his invaluable contributions to the scout team. Senior Dave Gitter rounds out the roster.
Wilson likes the team’s work ethic. “When we make a mistake, it’s never due to a lack of effort,” he said. “If we work hard and continue to get better, maybe we can make another playoff run.”
The Rams close out the regular season at home when they welcome Valley Stream South on Saturday at noon.
