East Rockaway takes 'C' volleyball title
East Rockaway High School #12 Rebecca Italiano and #8 Paige Loyer react after the final point is recorded in their their team's straight sets victory over Malverne. (Nov. 8, 2011) Credit: James Escher
Lindsey Dinowitz had six kills, Gina Skelly had five kills and three digs and Katie Barto added 17 assists and three kills as No. 1 East Rockaway beat No. 3 Malverne, 25-23, 25-18, 26-24, to win the Nassau Class C girls volleyball championship at SUNY-Old Westbury Tuesday. Becky Italiano chipped in with four aces, four kills and four digs.
East Rockaway (11-5) faces Mattituck in the Long Island championship at noon on Saturday at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue. East Rockaway won the LIC in 2009.
Down 18-8 in the first set, the Rocks rallied for the win. The come-from-behind victory led to East Rockaway taking the tightly contested match in straight sets.
"We've had a few games like that this season," coach Ksenia Ferrand said. "That's the one thing about these girls -- they have so much heart that they legitimately do not give up. They know they're a good team, but sometimes they need to be reminded of just how good they can play.
"The theme of the season was play smart and play hard."
Malverne finishes 12-4.
