Thursday, October 1, 2026
After graduating six seniors, including five starters, from a team that went 16-1 and reached the Nassau Class AAA quarterfinals, Baldwin girls’ volleyball coach Tuan Nguyen knew this would be a season of transition.
New players.
New roles.
But expectations are similar to previous seasons.
“I would expect we'll probably be top four in our conference, if not third,” Nguyen said. “That’s my goal, and we’re definitely looking to make the playoffs this year. That’s our goal.”
Nguyen calls his team a “work in progress,” but the Bruins took a big step forward on Sept. 16 with a five-set loss to Seaford. Previously, Baldwin had only played three-set matches.
After dropping the third set, 25-14, Baldwin rallied for a thrilling 26-24 win in the fourth set to force the decisive fifth set, which the Bruins dropped, 15-11.
They followed with a 3-1 win over Hicksville last Friday.
“That’s the longest rally, and the five sets definitely prepare them for the season because now they have experienced the pressure,” Nguyen said. “They’re going to carry that game for the rest of the season because they already experienced that kind of pressure in a five-set situation.”
The lone returning starter in the same position from last year’s squad is Mikayla Lorusso, a senior setter and captain.
“She just helps the young players transition to a new role and new position as a leader of the team,” Nguyen said.
Junior Brianka Joseph has moved from middle blocker to an outside hitter this season.
Fellow junior Jalaena Jorif, who had a team-high 5 kills and 5 aces against Seaford, has made the move from right-side hitter to outside hitter.
“They’re the two leading hitters on the team right now,” Nguyen said.
Joseph, especially, has made huge strides this season.
“She just came in with a very, very focused mindset and a good attitude,” Nguyen said. “She’s improved tremendously since last year at the middle blocker. I needed an outside hitter, and she stepped up to that role, and she's really doing a good job so far. She’s the strongest hitter on the team by far.”
A year after earning All-County honorable mention honors, junior Shelly Rivera is again a defensive standout at libero. She and sophomore Troii Watson had four aces apiece against Seaford.
“She’s all in,” Nguyen said. “She’s going after the ball, no fear. She’s very aggressive going after the ball. She digs every single ball whenever she can.”
After opening the season with a 3-0 loss to Mepham, Baldwin’s first win of the year came at Valley Stream Central on Sept. 14. Jorif had 14 kills, four digs, and four aces, Joseph had 10 kills, three digs, three aces, and two blocks, sophomore Maisha Cornet had six kills; and Lorusso had six assists.
“They’re learning very quickly, and they’re working at it,” Nguyen said. “I'm so far very pleased with the way that they're transitioning to new roles and new positions. I’m very happy with what they’re doing right now.”
