Carey back on volleyball map

What a difference a year makes.

After struggling through a one-win season in 2021, the Carey girls’ volleyball team is returning to the playoffs this fall thanks to a 10-win campaign fueled by a trio of sophomore stars and a veteran group of seniors who continue to produce consistently on the court.

Though the opposition may not be as formidable as it was last year, coach Nicole Sabbatino credited the impressive turnaround to being more aggressive on the court and tight knit off it. 

“They just want to raise their level all of the time,” Sabbatino said. “They want to run plays, they want to be better every game. Status quo is not good enough. They want to be top-level players.”

Resiliency has been one of the big themes for Carey (10-5) this season and that was illustrated during a four-match stretch to end September. The Seahawks trailed 2-0 at Bethpage before rallying to force a fifth set in an eventual loss on Sept. 16. Five days later, Lynbrook carried a 2-1 lead into the fourth set before Carey rebounded to win and the Seahawks took the final three sets in a stunning victory at Plainedge on Sept. 28.

Carey improved to 7-1 two days later after winning the last two sets to win at Great Neck North behind senior Kaylee Darrell’s 18 digs, six assists and four kills.

“They have this hidden gear that they can tap into sometimes,” Sabbatino said. “If they do it all at the same time, then it’s awesome to watch.”

Sophomore Dierdra Brennan has been the offensive catalyst this season and sits among the Nassau County leaders with 418 assists, including a whopping 54 against Bethpage. She also has 80 digs on defense to go with 34 aces.

“She’s a rock,” Sabbatino said. “She’s silent but she’s consistent. The girls trust her explicitly as the setter. They know she’s going to make a smart choice and put the ball to the hitter who has the hot hand. It’s been fun to watch her grow.”

Zoe Farquharson has used her long arms and vertical leap to her advantage with almost 100 kills and over 50 blocks, while fellow sophomore Isabella Caban emerged as the team’s top server statistically with a club-best 39 aces.

Senior Caylee De Meo, who Sabbatino called “the heart of the team,” has been the top recipient of Brennan’s passes with a team-leading 172 kills and is among the best on the team with 128 digs. 

Seniors Erica Montemarano and Isabella Montenegro switch off at libero and there is no downgrade defensively when either fills the role.

“They are my two best defensive players,” Sabbatino declared. 

Brianna Suarez-Oubina has had a strong senior season and just surpassed the 60-kill mark. Olivia Cacioppo and Olivia Asciutto have been consistent defenders and Ana Simancas-Franco and Annabella Piretto have filled in admirably off the bench.

Carey was mired in a four-game losing streak at press time and had one last chance to right the ship before the playoffs in Monday’s rematch with Plainedge.