Mixed results for Long Beach

A year removed from an historic season that saw the Long Beach girls finish with a perfect 21-0 record while capturing the program’s first state championship, the Lady Marines are having mixed results on the volleyball court in 2019.

Replacing three of the state’s strongest players and competing in the county’s strongest conference is proving to be a daunting combination. After last Friday’s four-set loss to a strong South Side team, Long Beach fell to 2-4 in Conference A1. Senior Annaliese Zolahadhad had eight kills, two aces, and six digs to lead the Lady Cyclones.

With Lynbrook, Mineola, Bellmore JFK, Manhasset, and defending Class A state champion Wantagh also competing in the conference, there are no easy matches. But, despite the tough start to the season, the team’s coach believes the unforgiving schedule is going to help with the growth of her girls.

“We’re growing and getting better,” Long Beach coach Kerri Rehnback said. “We’re playing in a much tougher conference. Honestly, it’s great for the sport. You look for little victories along the way to build on. Playing teams like this will make us stronger as the season goes along. You want to be playing your best in November.”

While serve and receive continues to be a work in progress and overall execution needs to get better, the Marines have played well in tournaments. They won the Baldwin tourney, had a solid performance at Bayport, and in a recent tournament hosted by Long Beach, the team was narrowly defeated by Kellenberg, 26-24, in the third set an epic best-of-three semifinal.

Senior setter Maggie Swegler, who played a huge role in 2018 at right side hitter, is driving the team’s offense. She’s the group’s strongest server, and she’s on the floor for all six rotations.

Another returnee who contributed to the team’s state title run is Anna Moller. The sophomore libero is focused, driven, and serves as one of the team’s vocal leaders. Junior Julia Meyers is a strong defender on the back row. 

Junior outside hitter Gwen Price has shown tremendous improvement and has seen her confidence grow. Twin sister Tori has gotten better physically and mentally at both outside and middle. Rehnback sees the Price sisters as interchangeable.

Senior middle/outside Jillian Domingo is a steady performer who keeps the ball in play and brings tremendous energy to the court. Pleasant surprises include sophomore Ali Kile and junior Ruby Palmer. Hard work and perseverance has helped Kile earn a starting position. Palmer’s body control and court awareness have stood out.

“Mental toughness is essential in volleyball,” Rehnback said. “We’d like to be winning more, but things are not bad. We’re just not quite ready for the big moments. But, we’re getting there. These girls love the game and have terrific attitudes. Those are important factors to have as we continue to build. Last year is in the past. I just want them to be perfect versions of themselves.”

The Marines host Bellmore JFK on Friday at 6:15 p.m.