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East Rockaway edges Lynbrook
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Lynbrook's Jessica Rosen, left, taps the ball over the net as East Rockaway's Katie Barto, far right, and Danielle Balder defend during a match won by the Lady Rocks.
Claudio Papapietro/Herald
Senior Jalisa Barnes had 23 kills as East Rockaway knocked off cross town rival Lynbrook 25-22, 25-21, 20-25, 25-19 in a Conference II girls’ volleyball match on Oct. 1. Senior Danielle Balder added seven aces for the Lady Rocks.
East Rockaway improved to 5-2 in conference play, 6-2 overall, but coach Gus Baco believes the Lady Rocks could be playing better. “At times, we seem to play to the level of our competition,” Baco said. “We need to be more consistent and bring our best game each time we take the floor. Overall, I’m happy with the record, but we can play better.”
Barnes, a first team All-State outside hitter as a junior, has been outstanding. She had a season-high 26 kills in a five-set victory over Garden City earlier in the season. Senior Kaitlyn McCann added 16 assists, and sophomore Katie Barto had seven aces in the win. Barnes recently accepted a full scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Pittsburgh.
While Baco feels the passing game needs to improve, he lauded the efforts of Balder, who had the dubious task of taking on a new position at middle hitter. The Lady Rocks lost four starters from a team that advanced to the Class C state semifinals in 2008, including both middle hitters.
Sophomores Rebecca Italiano and Lindsey Dinowitz have both showed a lot of promise in their first year with the varsity. Senior libero Alanna Lapollo is playing well as the Lady Rocks’ defensive specialist. Kimm Pacheco, Jessica Sagehorn and Taylor DeStefani all see time. East Rockaway hosts Port Washington on Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
At Lynbrook, it’s a new day as Natalie Hamilton took over as coach. The Lady Owls, who are coming off a difficult season, are 3-3 in Conference II after three-game sweep of Hicksville. Senior Jessy Rosen had seven kills, seven aces and 30 assists in the win. Junior setter Taylor Garrett had five kills, five aces and 28 assists.
Hamilton is happy with the progress the team has made thus far. “The girls understand their roles and are jelling,” Hamilton said. “We’re competitive in every game, and never give up. The girls have become very comfortable playing with one another.”
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