Coach Opinante addresses his troops at a time out. See this photo at www.Newsphoto.com Competing in the Nassau County “A” Classification, the 2009 Girls Varsity Volleyball team began a rebuilding season on a winning note. However, just three matches into its schedule, the team began to struggle due to a series of injuries and illnesses to key team members. Despite the adversity, GC exhibited a collective determination, was hard working and very competitive.

The offense was orchestrated by the combined setting of senior co-captain Joanna Matuza, freshman Jackie Seskin and junior Eleni Demiris. Senior Mary Odell, juniors Katie Haynes and Danielle Muscarella, along with sophomores Emily LaCorte, Noelle Byrne and Megan Bader, rounded out a balanced offensive attack. Obstructing opponent attackers, senior co-captain Michelle Finneran was a blocking force at the net. The backcourt defense was led by senior co-captain Casey O’Hanlon, a two time All County Team selection and arguably the top libero in Nassau County. Sophomores Kristen Steinhardt, Maddy Smith and juniors Gretchen Guterding and Kim Verderber contributed their all round play. Coach Phil Opinante commented, “This bunch of kids struggled through a succession of hurdles throughout our season. We had several key injuries and illnesses, we lost a couple of close ones, and we’re a young team playing in a very tough conference. But everyone hung together, and I’m very proud of our team’s resiliency.”

Junior middle hitter and All Conference Team selection Katie Haynes smacks a hard driven attack. See this photo at www.Newsphoto.com The team ended its season in 4th place in an exceedingly competitive Conference 2 and finished in 5th place in Nassau County. Along the way, GC captured 2nd place at the Herricks and Baldwin Tournaments and 3rd place at the prestigious Carle Place DIG, SET and SPIKE Tournament. The Lady Trojans were also honored by the Nassau County Volleyball Coaches Association with the Team Sportsmanship Award.

Senior captain and two time All County Team selection Casey O’Hanlon, tallies another patented dig. See this photo at www.Newsphoto.com Casey O’Hanlon was selected to the 2009 All County Team while Michelle Finneran, Katie Haynes and Emily LaCorte were All Conference Team selections.

The following team recognition awards were also presented:

Outstanding Player Award - Casey O’Hanlon

Unsung Hero Award - Mary Odell, Katie Haynes, Danielle Muscarella, Megan Bader

Senior co-captain and All Conference player Michelle Finneran, begins the attack with a transition pass. See this photo at www.Newsphoto.com Determination Award - Joanna Matuza

Most Improved Player - Michelle Finneran, Noelle Byrne

Team Player Award - Kim Verderber, Maddy Smith, Kristen Steinhardt, Eleni Demiris,

Team Spirit Award - Gretchen Gutterding

Rookie of the Year Award - Emily LaCorte, Jackie Seskin

Senior setter Joanna Matuza launches an outside set. See this photo at www.Newsphoto.com
Senior Mary Odell scores on a block solo. See this photo at www.Newsphoto.com
Sophomore Megan Bader snuffs out an opponents’ attack. See this photo at www.Newsphoto.com