Seniors leading South Side

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Coming off its only conference defeat in six matches, South Side’s girls’ volleyball team got back on track last Saturday by winning its third tournament of September.

Senior Maya Shabbir (45 kills, 37 digs, 15 blocks, 12 aces) earned MVP honors for the Lady Cyclones, who captured the 12-team Carle Place Tournament. Earlier in the season, they won the MacArthur/Division and Herricks tourneys. “We returned a significant group of seniors and they’re playing very well,” coach Cheryl Scalice said. “We’re not quite at our best yet, but we’re getting there.”

Six of South Side’s seven seniors played on its 2012 Nassau County Class B championship team, and all of them contributed a lot to last year’s run to the finals. “We’re deep in experience and leadership,” Scalice said.

Shabbir, one of the go-to hitters a year ago, has picked up where she left off earning All-County honors. She’s doing her damage from the right side, Scalice said, but is versatile enough to play anywhere in the front row. “Maya has great leaping ability and hits hard with accuracy,” she said. “She’s our leader in kills and blocks, and her defense has been just as strong as her offense.”

In a rematch of last year’s county finals on Sept. 18, Shabbir had 21 digs, 16 kills and seven service aces to lead the Lady Cyclones over defending county champion Long Beach in four hard-fought sets: 25-20, 25-27, 25-17, 25-19.

Senior setter Sydney Gabriel, another All-County returnee, is the quarterback of the offense. Gabriel, in her third year at the position, and Shabbir play on the same club, which only adds to their chemistry, Scalice said. Gabriel has been sharp since dishing out 20 assists in a sweep of Calhoun in the season opener. “Sydney’s improved every year,” she said. “She’s a big threat when it comes to passing and serving.”

While Gabriel directs the offense, senior Meghan Johnke leads the defense at libero. “The libero is just as important as the setter,” Scalice said. “You have to be solid at both spots to win consistently. Meghan has become a force. She’s such a tenacious player.” Johnke plays a key role in serve-receive and ranks among the team leaders in digs along with senior outside hitter Ashley DeTullio.

DeTullio, who had 46 digs in the Carle Place Tournament, is also a strong passer and server. “Ashley has a jump-serve that’s difficult to return,” Scalice said. “She’s a smart player who makes the most of her opportunities.”

Senior Allison Pallazzolo starts opposite DeTullio and brings intensity and consistency to the court, Scalice said. Pallazzolo had seven kills, seven digs and four aces in a win over MacArthur. “Allison’s always involved in the play and can be explosive,” she noted.

Seniors Sarah Mullooly and Isabel Sussman start in the middle and have provided steady blocking and hitting.

South Side’s only loss so far came in four sets at Wantagh on Sept. 22. “We beat Wantagh in the finals of the Herricks Tournament,” Scalice said. “When we went to their place, we had some roller coaster moments.” The teams meet again at South Side on Oct. 21.