Volleyball: Waves look to find their way in League III

When Riverhead head volleyball coach Amy Greene got word that her team was moving up a league she knew it was going to be a challenge.

A new league meant new players, new coaches, even new referees. When you’re returning to the same league every year, you know what to expect. And when you know what to expect you can sort out a game plan that much easier.

With the move, the Blue Waves have held their own even though their record doesn’t show it. It’s been a season of almosts. Riverhead (2-6) has competed against every team and if a few balls had bounced their way, it could have easily changed the complexion of the season. Effort and continued hard work is all Coach Greene could ask for as they get acclimated with their new surroundings.

Friday afternoon at Riverhead High School was more of the same. They had their chances to take control of the game against Smithtown West (6-2) but when it was all said and done, the game ended as another “almost.” They lost in straight sets: 25-19, 26-24, 25-22.

In every set they were either leading or within a few points of leading but a few mental mistakes and errors in communication ultimately led to their demise. The Blue Waves nearly stole the second set after going up 22-20 but Smithtown West refused to back down.

“It’s a tougher league, to be honest with you,” Greene told reporters after the match. “We play Smithtown East who wins the league every year and goes upstate every year, so it’s tough. But our girls are adjusting to it and we have been right there every game but we just can’t get on top of that hump.”

It doesn’t help when a high-caliber player like 6-f00tt tall junior middle-hitter Dezarae Brown is injured. Brown’s been sidelined with an ankle injury. Her size is definitely missed when the Waves go up against the perennial powerhouse teams.

“When you walk into the gym a lot of other coaches will give her a double look,” Greene said of Brown. “She’s a very tall player and always has her hands around the net. We definitely miss her blocking. Her hands are definitely what scare other teams. There’s a hole when we don’t have Dezarae but we’re trying to work around that.”

Though libero Joscelin Morrow’s game can hardly go unnoticed, the senior just doesn’t have the experience around her to produce as many victories as in year’s past. Many of the key players in last year’s playoff run were seniors. She’s planning on playing volleyball in college down south and is currently sifting through opportunities. She’ll be missed when she too leaves the program.

“I will miss her,” Greene said. “I will definitely miss her. It’s going to create a huge hole next year.”

With the playoffs likely out of reach, Greene has set a new goal for her team going down the final stretch of the season: take a set from last year’s league champion Smithtown East — or better yet, beat them.

“We’re building up our next couple games to be at our best against Smithtown East,” Greene said. “That is our goal.”

What better way to gauge progress than to measure up against the best?

RiverheadLOCAL photos by George Faella