East Rockaway eyes Three-Peat

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It’s been an interesting regular season for East Rockaway girls’ volleyball, which saw its winning streak halted at nine last Friday with a five-set loss to rival Carle Place.

The Lady Rocks still control their own destiny in the newly formed Nassau Conference AA-C3 and would claim at least a share of the title with wins in each of their final two matches. “We’re playing a new group of teams with different styles and skill levels,” coach Ksenia Brito said. “The thing I like most about us is we never give up. In past years, we had trouble bouncing back if we fell behind by two sets. But these girls can never be counted out of a match.”

The leadership and work ethic of seniors Brooke DeGiulio, Jamie Keegan, Catherine McClure and Giana Donald is a big reason for East Rockaway’s success, Brito said. “Our seniors carry the team in more ways than one, and we also have some exciting young talent,” she said.

The offense runs through DeGiulio, whose played multiple positions during her high school career. She handed out a season-high 22 assists Oct. 9 when the Lady Rocks (10-2) avenged their lone defeat by defeating Oyster Bay in four sets “She’s such a great athlete and so coachable,” Brito said. “It’s nice to know you’ve got someone in charge out there. She sees the whole court and knows where to put the ball.”

Keegan works opposite DeGiulio on the right side, where her lefty swing is a consistent weapon. Keegan, a returning starter, is the team leader in kills — she had 11 in the win over Oyster Bay — and also contributes plenty of blocks at the net. “Jamie is very competitive and when she’s on, we’re that much better,” Brito said.

In the middle, McClure brings a strong all-around skill set and rarely comes off the court. She leads the team in service aces, hits hard, and delivers accurate passes, Brito said of the returning starter who burned Carle Place for seven aces in a five-set win last month. Junior Makenna Lonergan has fit in nicely next to McClure in the middle.

While DeGiulio, Keegan and McClure are keys to the offense, Donald provides steady defense in the back row as the libero. “Giana worked really hard and has stepped up to the task,” Brito said. Donald was instrumental in the Lady Rocks’ come-from-behind, five-set win over co-conference leading Herricks on Oct. 1 with 13 digs.

Junior outside hitter Madison Cipriano is a returning starter with experience in club volleyball as well. “She has great exposure to the sport and is very energetic,” Brito said. “She anticipates well and is one of our most consistent and successful servers.” Junior Samantha Marx and freshman Katy Howard are also contributing as outside hitters.

“We have a deep team with strong chemistry,” Brito said.

East Rockaway will try to hold off Carle Place and Oyster Bay and capture a third straight Nassau Class C championship. “All three teams are playing really well,” Brito said.