Seaford in title hunt again

Despite graduating five senior starters, the Seaford girls’ volleyball team is positioning itself for a shot at a four-peat.

The Lady Vikings, who have captured the last three Nassau County Class B titles, entered the final week of the regular season 10-3 and is in line for one of the top seeds in the upcoming playoffs. Seaford only returned two starters, but a decision to sub in many backup players last year as juniors is now paying dividends.

 “I tried to play my juniors as much as possible last year so they would be ready for this year,” Seaford head coach Marie Savage said. “I always try and keep a deep bench.”

Two seniors who benefited from last year’s experience off the bench are co-captains Jenna Leonardi and Maggie Weidlein. Savage praised the leadership of her captains on and off the court.

“They are constantly getting the players together,” said Savage of her captains. “They are always coming up with ideas.”

Another senior who has contributed to Seaford’s 2014 success has been Shannon Fredericks. The outsider hitter recently suffered a shoulder injury but Savage is hoping she will be back in time for the playoffs.

The injury to Fredericks has meant a bigger role for senior Dallas Vabawski, who had been rotating with Fredericks at the outside hitter position but is now seeing more time on the court. Another senior who has contributed has been backup libero Jessica Lodistoto, who Savage calls a “defensive specialist.”

“The seniors I have this year are such great leaders,” said Savage. “They practice so hard.”

The two returning starters from last year’s 12-3 championship team are junior setter Erin Russell and sophomore middle hitter Sophie Dandola. In Seaford’s 3-1 win against Lawrence last Friday, Russell had 25 assists and nine digs while Dandola recorded 14 kills.

Other big contributors for Seaford have been junior starting libero Emily Angelastro, sophomore blocker Sophie Kaufman and junior defensive specialist Alyssa Mallery. Angelastro had 12 digs and four aces in a 3-0 victory at East Rockaway on Oct. 15.