Connetquot beats top-ranked Patchogue-Medford in boys volleyball
Erick Duignan of Connetquot goes up for a spike during a Suffok boys volleyball match against Patchogue-Medford on Thursday at Connetquot. Credit: Dawn McCormick
Completely aware that the unit across the net entered Thursday night both undefeated and as Section XI’s No. 1-ranked team in Suffolk County, the Connetquot boys volleyball team recognized an opportunity to make a resounding statement at home.
Three sets later, the Thunderbirds could not go unheard.
Connetquot set the tone from the opening set and proceeded to establish itself as a top contender throughout the night, defeating Patchogue-Medford in Suffolk I, 25-13, 25-21, 25-20.
Outside hitter Erick Duignan had 22 kills and four digs to lead the way for Connetquot (7-1). Middle Alex Lillie also played a key role at the net with 13 kills and 11 blocks.
Duignan said Connetquot, which began the match ranked only two spots below Pat-Med, completely embraced the chance to open eyes throughout the county.
“We 100% came out trying to make a statement,” Duignan said. “And I feel like we accomplished that.”
Connetquot coach Jess Perry agreed with that sentiment, particularly with how the Thunderbirds jumped out to a quick 9-2 advantage to open the match and continued to build from there.
“For sure,” Perry said. “They played a little bit slower in the second and third, but nothing I could complain about.”
Perry noted that she and her players consistently acknowledge the rankings and made their desire to be the top team evident.
“They come into my office and we talk about the rankings and who won what games,” Perry said. “And it’s something we discuss throughout the school day.”
Duignan noted the key area Connetquot emphasized throughout the match.
“We knew that this was going to be a tough game,” Duignan said. “So we knew we had to come out strong and our biggest thing the last few games has been our serve receive. We really locked that down to put the ball away.”
Pat-Med (7-1) evened the score at 21 in the second set with three consecutive points, but Connetquot responded with four of its own to take a 2-0 lead. The Thunderbirds closed out the final tightly-contested set with three unanswered points to seal the victory.
Lillie said Connetquot’s lone loss of the season – 3-2 to Sachem North on Sep. 20 – has brought a noticeable uptick to the team’s intensity.
“Ever since we lost that game it feels like a brand-new team with a fire under us,” Lillie said. “Just get out there and beat everyone. The practice after that felt off but then we came out against Bay Shore and played our best, and have been great since.”
