Massapequa girls volleyball on verge of 14th straight county title

Massapequa girls volleyball is back in a familiar place.

Undefeated in Conference I and the No. 1 seed in Class AA once again, the Chiefs begin their quest for a 14th straight Nassau County championship today against East Meadow.

After graduating seven seniors each of the last two years the Chiefs had to rely on many new faces this year. The results were constant.

“Expectations from other people are sky high,” head coach Carol Ann Habeeb said. “Our seniors didn’t really see much playing time (before this season) and it's been a great experience for them to get that time now.”

Now at 12-0 and led by two seniors, setter Katie Vedilago and outside hitter Justine Abbate, Massapequa once again dominated Conference I.

“They rose to the occasion and did their jobs,” Habeeb said. “I’m definitely pleased and looking forward to the playoffs.”

The talent is always apparent at Massapequa but Habeeb noticed a few differences as the season began with a less experienced team.

“Our practices were a lot longer and worked more on individual skills,” the 26th year head coach said. But now with the playoffs about ready to kick off, the Chiefs are back in their comfort zone.

“Every time we win the counties we treat it as a first because we have new players out there,” Habeeb said. “It’s a huge accomplishment but it’s still the first for different players.”