Lady Owls soar to county title

Midway through the volleyball season, Lynbrook coach Stewart Ratzken let it be known what he believed his team could accomplish in 2014. He expected the team to be county champions. 

So, when his girls raised their championship plaque, marking the program’s first county title in 23 years, Ratzken wasn’t a bit surprised. 

The Lady Owls shook off some first set rust and knocked off Mineola 27-29, 25-12, 25-14, 25-19 at the Clark Athletic Center on the campus of SUNY College at Old Westbury on Nov. 6 to earn the Class B title. Juniors Shannon Wren (13) and Lara LoIacona combined for 24 kills. Sophomore Rebecca Shear had 22 digs, six service aces, and 40 assists.

Ratzken, in his first year at Lynbrook, couldn’t have been happier for his team. “We came out a little tight, but we scrapped it out and almost won the first set,” Ratzken said. “We knew we had to turn it on, and came out real strong in the second. I’m so proud of the girls. They were right there, last year, and fell a step short. This is so rewarding, and will be so memorable.”

The match pitted teams who had virtually identical seasons. Both squads came in with records of 17-1; Lynbrook had 13 three-set sweeps, while Mineola swept 12 opponents. The teams split their two regular season matches.

After dropping the marathon first set, the Lady Owls were dominant in the second. Senior Bridget Kelly (15 kills, three blocks) set the tone with five monstrous kills to lead the Lady Owls to a 12-8 lead. 

Shear’s serving helped Lynbrook pull away. She registered seven straight service points, including four aces, to give the Lady Owls complete control.

Ratzken is accustomed to Shear picking up service points. “Rebecca has a very high volleyball IQ,” Ratzken said. “She’s typically our leadoff server, and she showed why. She’s very consistent with the float serve. The run was big for us.”

Shear, senior Emma Carey (nine digs), and juniors Stephanie Milillo (17) and Morgan Smithwick (16) put on a digging clinic for Lynbrook. Seemingly, each time the Lady Mustangs were set to put a point away, the Lady Owls were on the ground answering the call.