Moments after capping an undefeated regular season with 3-0 sweep of Mineola Monday, the closeness of this year’s Seaford girls volleyball team was evident during a ceremony that honored the senior-laden squad.
Seaford’s nine seniors were all recognized following their final home volleyball match with remarks by the Viking underclassmen and head coach Marie Savage about how much their leadership on and off the court has been appreciated. Coach Savage attributed the chemistry of the Seaford seniors and underclassmen players as a key factor in capturing the Conference BC-1 regular season title and entering the Nassau County playoffs as the top seed with an 12-0 overall record.
“They mesh very well,” said Savage, who helped guide Seaford to a Nassau County Class B title last year. “They are very close.”
Seaford’s nine seniors include captains Danielle Pugliese, Emily Palermo, Zulfiya Asquino and Courtney Carbone but according to Carbone, all of them have leadership capabilities. The other Viking seniors include Megan Russell, Catie Montgomery, Toni-Ann Medaglia, Caitlin Hewitt and Christina Gilbert.
“They really are all like captains,” said Savage of her large senior group.
Seaford’s strong regular season has earned the Vikings a be into the county semifinals on Nov. 2 against an undetermined opponent. With two wins, Seaford will repeat as county champions and have a change to avenge last year’s setback in the Long Island Class B title match.
“They didn’t like the way they felt after the Long Islands last year and we’d like to get back," Savage said. “I want these girls to feel good about themselves whatever happens."
