The Daler varsity volleyball team had five starters graduate from last year’s playoff squad, and is a young but talented group, according to coach Tommy Lendino, who took over as head coach of the program from Sue Loche after seven years as JV coach.
Led by co-captains Nicole Kayola and Julie Teller, Lendino has high hopes for his team, and points to a particularly rich sophomore class which he hopes will step up to the plate, including Chrissy Kelly, Michelle Destefano and Sarah Hund.
“The program is fed through the CYO leagues and the middle school program,” said Lendino. “We are also trying to encourage girls that are truly devoted to volleyball into playing ‘club volleyball,’ in addition to their school team.”
Find out what's happening in Farmingdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Last Season: 10-4, falling in the playoff quarterfinals to Long Beach.
Coach: Tom Lendino, first year
Find out what's happening in Farmingdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Top Players:
- Nicole Kayola, junior, libero
- Julie Teller, senior, middle hitter
- Barbara Wright, junior, middle hitter
Position Breakdown:
Teller is an extremely talented hitter with sound technique and skill in the middle hitter position. At the libero position, defensive specialist Nicole Kayola is easily the best athlete on the floor, according to her coach. “And Barbara Wright is a powerful hitter and blocker,” adds Lendino.
Expectations:
“Our goal this year is to make the playoffs and surprise everyone with a County Championship,” said Lendino.
Key Games:
Massapequa, a traditional powerhouse, will provide the Dalers with an early test when they come to town Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. But there are no weak teams in Conference AA-1, says Lendino. “Every game is a difficult one, so every match must be approached like a playoff,” he said.
First match is against East Meadow on Sept 13 at FHS at 5 p.m.
