Boys Volleyball Preview

When it comes to boys varsity volleyball, the Port Washington Vikings are looking strong, thanks to experienced athletes and a seasoned coach. Here are the specifics.

2009 Record: 17-4 (Lost in Nassau County Finals to Massepequa)

League: Conference I, 12 teams.

Head Coach: Maria Giomanco (21st season)

Top Players: Sr. Middle Hitter (MH) Ben Adler, So. MH Jong-Ho Byun, Jn. Setter Matthew Cacioppo, Jn. Outside Hitter (OH) Adam Cuthill, Jn. MH Paul Kagan, Jn. Setter Daniel Minicucci, Sr. Libero Michael Murphy, Jr. OH Kevin Nardone

Position Breakdown: This season with the graduation of Dan Bernstein and Adam Epstein, two leaders of last year's team, the Vikings will have to rely on tremendous skill from other players. Good thing they have a ton of that in store. Two recurring starters will help fill the void, Jong-Ho Byun and Ben Adler, and they will help lead the way. While those two athletes will be essential to the offensive attack, last year's JV volleyball team also went undefeated. Many of those players are on the varsity squad this year, and will undoubtably be a force to reckon with. Paul Kagan, for one, led JV last year to its perfect record and will look to do the same this season. In the same sense, outside hitter Adam Cuthill will certainly be a tough presence at the net. With nine juniors on the team, senior leadership will come from Michael Murphy. 

Expectations: Conference I is top heavy, and the Vikings are at the top, or at least near it.  "There are a couple of strong teams in the conference, but the only serious competition will be Massapequa and Plainview," Head Coach Giomanco said. "There are a bunch of decent teams that could beat us, but we are pretty talented." The team, and its head coach, have every intention in making the Conference I finals, and hopefully return to win it all this year. Right now, before the season even starts, they are sitting pretty.

Key Matchups: September 23 vs. Plainview (Home), October 13 vs. Massapequa (Home)