Chemistry, 'Core Four' were Friars' foundation

St. Anthony'scoach Donna Newman sensed something special was brewing when, on the first day of volleyball tryouts in August, 88 girls flooded the gym. She had slots for only 12 varsity and 14 jayvee players, so that meant there were 62 cuts to be made.

The staggering number of hopefuls sent a not-so-subtle message to the returning varsity players: Show up for tryouts in shape and ready to play or risk being one of the 62.

"It set the level of play for everyone higher," senior setter Mariel Metalios said.

And while St. Anthony's has been accustomed to success, this team has given future teams something to shoot for:

The Friars finished 19-0 - their second straight undefeated season.

They won their third straight CHSAA title.

They won their second consecutive state CHSAA title.

They did not drop a game, and allowed no more than 20 points in any of those games.

"We met every goal that we set," Metalios said.

Newman said the foundation of perfection could be traced to uncanny team chemistry.

"I could honestly say this group of girls got along beautifully," Newman said. "And with girls, that is unheard of. It was a great coaching environment, and it made my life a whole lot easier."

Leading the charge was Metalios, CHSAA player of the year and three-time All-League performer who Newman called the "quarterback" of the offense.

"She runs our entire offense and decides, on her own, what play we are going to run," Newman said. "She has to make the adjustments. She is a true leader."

Metalios' All-League counterparts included libero Kerrin Maurer, the Half Hollow Hills West Tournament MVP. Kristen Castellano provided an offensive spark on the outside, while middle blocker Michele Impellizeri was the quiet one. Her less-than-bombastic personality inspired her teammates to start a chant - "no, no, not today" - whenever she blocked an opponent at the net.

Spurred by their version of "The Core Four," the Friars rolled through their conference and tournament schedules. The list of wins in weekend tourney play included Ward Melville, Massapequa, East Hampton and Eastport-South Manor - some of Long Island's top public school teams.

"We looked forward to the weekends when we got our shot to play the public schools," Metalios said. "It's always a good time when you play them."

With "The Core Four" among eight returning players from last season, the Friars were able to draw on a wealth of experience that manifested itself in a tour de force showing at the state tournament. In the state final against Sacred Heart of Buffalo, St. Anthony's grabbed the first two games by scores of 25-12 and 25-13. But Newman implored her team to close out the match in short order, and the Friars responded, winning the third game, 25-10.

It was icing on the cake. "I could see it in their eyes," Newman said. "There was no way this group was going to fail."