The Wantagh girls’ volleyball team fell to Southside in the Nassau County Class A final at Adelphi University, November 11. Though the Warriors had beaten South Side twice during the season, the 3-1 defeat in the final denied them a chance for an incredible fourth-straight Nassau County championship.
Despite the disappointment the Warriors finished 15-2 and won Conference A-1. Wantagh ripped through the first two rounds of the playoffs shutting out Hewlett and Bellmore JFK, 3-0. They won the first game against South Side 25-17 , before losing the next three 25-17, 25-22 and 25-14.
“We shut down,” said senior co-captain Carly Simeone. “It was all mental. We lost our confidence.”
Simeone and co-captain Anna Paulik led the way for the Warriors. They were role models to the other girls on the team. The two worked diligently and motivated the team to reach its highest potential.
Other essential players were underclassman Megan Pennino, who made an impressive debut on the court as outside hitter; Libero, Christina Ellul, was the Warriors’ defensive rock and played an imperative role in getting the team to the County Finals; Julie Struzzieri and Haley Joyce were also vital in the teams overall harmony. The team’s chemistry is obvious on the court and their communication skills played a key role in their successful season. It’s clear that these girls aren’t just teammates, but friends that genuinely care for one another.
The team was once again coached by Katie McKeefrey.
“We had an amazing season this year with a lot to be proud of,” said Paulik. “And although we didn’t make it as far as we wanted to, we still had a great season and became a family with an unbreakable bond which is more than most teams can say.”