Eagles hand Waves second consecutive loss

Confidence comes and goes in every sport. It’s the nature of the game.

And at this point in the season, confidence is Riverhead head volleyball coach Amy Greene’s biggest worry. Greene spent substantial time talking to the girls following their second consecutive loss on Tuesday, a 3-1 defeat against Hauppague.

“I felt like we weren’t ourselves today but that’s going to happen sometimes,” Greene said. “I wanted to emphasize bringing our confidence back. Our communication and confidence is just a bit sluggish.”

Two straight losses are a first for Riverhead this season after coming out the gates in dominance, tallying a record of 7-1. It was also Riverhead’s second loss against first place Hauppague.

“Playing against Hauppague, you have to face some great swingers,” Greene said. “Number 16, she’s an awesome player. And so is number 2 on their side.”

The loss places Riverhead (4-3, 7-3 overall) third in League IV, behind the only teams they have lost to this season: Hauppauge and Bellport. And to play them back to back can be a serious morale killer. But it’s not like the Waves had no chance of winning, they were neck and neck with both of those teams.

“The girls love playing teams that are at their caliber,” Greene said. “And because we’re competing, it shows that we are right with them.”

“But at the end of the day, we still have things to improve upon.”

Joscelin Morrow recorded 29 digs. Hali Martens had 4 kills and 16 digs.

Dezarae Brown has been out of the lineup the past two games because of a sprained ankle. She was able to walk on her own without crutches during the game with her ankle taped. Coach says she expects her back in a week.

With five games remaining, the Waves need two wins to get into the playoffs.

Riverhead plays at East Islip on Thursday.