Clemens, Marchino lead Lindenhurst girls

You could say Lindenhurst girls volleyball gained a measure of redemption, despite an undefeated season that requires little redeeming.

They had lost two games all season, both in a five-game win over West Islip last month.

So 29 days after their first meeting, Lindenhurst dominated early and this time beat the Lions in four games, 25-16, 25-12, 14-25, 25-19, Wednesday in a rematch of Suffolk League II's top teams.

Emily Clemens had 13 kills and 28 assists, and Alyssa Marchino added 18 kills and 15 assists.

"We came here to win, and we realized that we needed to work hard to do so," Clemens said.

After losing Game 1, West Islip (4-3) tied the score at 6 in the second, only to see Lindenhurst regain serve and then win four more points to take an 11-6 lead.

Rachel Ramirez chipped in with consecutive kills from the left side to extend the lead to eight. At game point, a block from Ajsha Mekulovic propelled the Bulldogs (6-0) to a two games-to-none advantage.

SEE PHOTOSLindenhurst 3, West Islip 1

West Islip played with added aggression in the third, as Erin Byrnes and Marisa Ejups paced an offensive attack that kept Lindenhurst out of its comfort zone. Add in some uncharacteristic unforced errors, and the Lions were able to force a Game 4.

"We get a little cocky sometimes," Bulldogs coach Kellie Block said. "We get overconfident, and then they have to regroup."

In the fourth, Lindenhurst built an 11-7 cushion, although the Lions' consistent serving helped narrow the gap to 15-14. But Marchino responded with a kill, followed by an overhead shot off a busted return that landed between three West Islip defenders.

"In the fourth game, she started to come back alive," Block said.

As for West Islip, they would welcome a third crack at their league rival.

"Hopefully, we get to see them in the playoffs," coach Jim Klimkoski said. "And the way it's shaping up, that might happen."