Monday, November 10, 2025
North Shore girls’ volleyball coach Danielle Bleiweiss is hoping this season is a tale of two halves.
The Vikings are content about their move to a much-tougher conference after a storybook unbeaten 2024 regular season. But they’ve yet to win a league game – going 0-3 in Conference 4 against “A’’ schools. They are hardly deflated.
Last season, North Shore rolled to a perfect 14-0 clip in Conference 5 in Bleiwess’ first season returning to Glen Head/Sea Cliff.
“They’re not even comparable conferences,’’ said Bleiwess, a 2018 North Shore graduate. “We didn’t see any competition like this last season. But we’re right there with these teams. I think we’ll have a good second half of the season.’’
All three of its conference losses have come in straight sets, including a sweeping loss to South Side last Saturday. It is a young team with only two senior starters but North Shore still believes it will win when all said and done.
“This conference is way more our speed compared to last year,’’ said senior setter Hailey Sanchez. “We’ve faced teams close in skill level to us. Last year was quick games and wasn’t our skill level. It’s been harder, but it’s helped us grow as a team, learning different things.’’
North Shore’s overall record is 3-3, with wins over Great Neck North, Cold Spring Harbor and Sacred Heart. There is talent – just a fine-tuning to the rigid new conference.
“We were a little scared, nervous because we heard of their records,’’ Sanchez said. “But now we know how they play and the games have been so close.
“We have a lot of younger girls compared to last year,’’ the senior added. “I think our chemistry is really good, even though we’re not that much into the season. We all trust each other.’’
Despite being a setter, Sanchez gets a lion’s share of kills and never leaves the court. The coach cites sophomore outside hitter Devyn Mandell and junior middle blocker Lila Frame as North Shore’s two other stars.
Despite her youth, Mandell is already 5-foot-9 and records half the team’s digs. Meanwhile, Frame is a premier blocker and still gets in her swings. “(Frame) is one of the few middles who can play defense in the back after she serves,’’ Bleiwess said.
In her first year on varsity, sophomore libero Lily Bombardiere is another key with a high volume of digs. “She’s coming in really strong,’’ Bleiwess said. “She moves her feet, is very fast.’’
Another sophomore contributor is outside hitter Faith Virgilio, a good complement to Sanchez on the other side. Sanchez and senior Chloe Rowell are co-captains. Sanchez feels leadership is the best quality she brings to “The Maroon.’’
“I’m really able to talk to teammate about things,’’ Sanchez said. “When they need something, we’re always able to talk.’’
Of the seven graduated seniors, only two were full-time starters last season — standouts Caroline Ledden and Nora Solomon. Thus, the roster features many of the same girls who soared to an unblemished record.
There are no regrets about moving up in class. “We’re happy to be here with these teams,’’ Bleiwess said. “We were winning sets 25-4. This is where I prefer to be.’’
