Oceanside producing strong finish

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After a three-match losing skid put a halt on what had been a hot start to Oceanside’s volleyball season, the Lady Sailors responded in a big way with five straight victories between Oct. 3 and Oct. 16, winning 15 of 16 sets along the way as they surge towards the end of the season on a high note.

“It was a good pick-me-up,” said coach Rob Kiley on the team’s recent stretch. “It’s always exciting to have a winning streak like that in the middle of the season and hopefully we can carry the momentum through the end here.”

Though the streak came to an end on Oct. 18 with a loss to Hicksville, the Lady Sailors still sit in third place in Conference AA2 with an impressive 9-4 record. And though the playoffs may be out of reach with four matches remaining – only the top team in the conference qualifies — the Lady Sailors this week will have a prime opportunity to show their stuff as they square off in consecutive matches against the conference’s top two teams, beginning with a home match-up against East Meadow (12-1) on Tuesday followed by a road battle with Farmingdale (12-0) on Thursday.

But the season has already been a successful one in the eyes of Kiley, who voiced his delight with the play of his seniors, including outside hitters Nicole Kraemer and Toni Gildersleeve, middle hitter Jordan Sternberg and defensive specialists Sara Thorne and Kasey Flavin as libero. Those seniors, he said, “Have taken pretty substantial leadership roles with the younger girls and have guided them to help build the program.”

Kiley heaped the most praise on who he called the unsung hero of the squad, senior setter Megan DiDominica. ”It’s her leadership on the court that you can’t really put a stat on. “She’s like the quarterback.”

Most of the time, DiDominca’s passes are directed towards the team’s middle hitters, juniors Isabella Ranieri and Gabi Dziwura. It’s the development of those two, Kiley said, along with the development of younger players like Catie Henn and backup setter Jiselle Ocasio, that has him most excited as the team looks ahead to next season.

While the team has excelled in various areas of the game this season, Kiley credited their work ethic, enthusiasm and “scrappiness” that has accounted for their overall success. “Where we stand out is how we take unconventional plays and turn them into something noteworthy,” he said. “We don’t really give up. The girls are diving all over the place.

“Sometimes when you think the point is over,” Kiley added, “suddenly we run a play on a ball that, on other teams, might hit the floor. That’s our grit. It’s what sets us apart.”

Though their next two games will be a major test, Kiley expressed that his girls are ready for the challenge as they look to continue their late season success. “Finishing in the top three is great,” the coach said. “Obviously the goal is to be Number One. I’m impressed with the girls’ work ethic and their attitude and what they give every day. They want to be out there doing well for our school.”