Adam Bloomfield, Matt Grace lead Sachem North to Suffolk 'A' crown

Sachem North has become a boys volleyball force because it has so many players who can cause opponents trouble.

Adam Bloomfield and Matt Grace were those players Tuesday, as the duo led a well-rounded effort that culminated in a second straight county title.

Bloomfield had 12 kills and two aces and Grace had 30 assists to lead No. 1 Sachem North over No. 2 Eastport-South Manor in straight sets in the Suffolk Class A championship at Suffolk CC-Brentwood. Rob Nolan added three aces, Neil Tufano had nine kills, and Sean Hannett added seven kills for the Arrows, who won, 25-15, 25-17, 25-19.

Sachem North, the defending state champion, will face the Nassau championsat 2 p.m. Saturday at SUNY Old Westbury for the Long Island championship and a trip to the state tournament.

"It's surreal to do it two years in a row," Bloomfield said. "This year, all of us on the court have pulled it together."

When asked what was the key to his dominant performance in the middle, the senior did not hesitate. "It was the setting. Matt Grace did an excellent job getting me the ball. I owe it all to him."

"Our chemistry on the court dates back to ninth grade, and you could see it come together here," Grace said.

SEE PHOTOSSuffolk Class A final: Sachem North vs. Eastport-South Manor

Nolan, one of the top liberos on Long Island, said, "Adam's a great middle and Matt's one of the best setters I've played with or against, so if I can get him a ball, those two can connect."

Nolan, Grace, Bloomfield and Paul Curaro played an integral supporting role in Sachem North's state title last year, but that team was led by All-American outside hitter Dylan Missry and All-Long Island setter Rob Steinberg. This season, the supporting players have come to the forefront.

"There's not one guy to focus on," coach Matt Rivera said. "They're a great volleyball team. They all play together, spread the ball around, and everyone does their thing, and that's what's made them successful."

Rivera said the Arrows' game plan involved attacking the middle, and Bloomfield and Tufano executed well.

"We knew coming in we had a great responsibility and we did our best to fulfill it," Tufano said.

Eastport-South Manor (15-3), which went to the Class B state final last season, competed as the smallest "A" school in Suffolk this season, yet still swept more than half its matches.

Sachem North's focus now will shift toward getting back to the state tournament.

"We have more work to do," Curaro said.

Added Grace: "We're not done yet."