Erin Russell is a loud vocal leader for Seaford girls volleyball
Seaford's Erin Russell looks for the ball against Lynbrook on Sept. 30, 2014. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Erin Russell is a loudmouth . . . and that's a good thing.
"She's definitely a vocal person," Seaford girls volleyball coach Marie Savage said. "She led by example last year, now it's by example and voice."
That has, somewhat, come out of necessity. After winning a third straight Nassau Class B title, the Vikings graduated most of their core, returning only one starter: Russell.
With a relatively inexperienced group, developing as it goes, the junior's role has expanded from simply being the setter to now, an emotional sparkplug. And Seaford is off to a 7-2 start.
"Before, I just stayed in the back as I was learning to play with everyone," Russell said, "but this year I realized I had to step up as a player and a leader."
Volume often is a crucial intangible in volleyball matches -- even more so than in most other sports. Players and fans screaming nonstop, at the top of their lungs, not only to cheer their team, but to also perhaps fluster opponents. Imagine an audience at a heavy metal concert . . . with volleyball being played.
Russell and Shannon Fredericks ensure that. There are no choreographed chants, they said. Just lots of noise. "It definitely makes a difference," Russell said. "How can anyone let up when it's that loud?"
The Vikings' talent can't be overlooked, either. Libero Emily Angelastro has become an excellent passer and Sophie Dandola is a "powerful" middle hitter, Savage said. Russell is the defensive stalwart and Fredericks adds versatility, and Maggie Weidlein and Jenna Leonardi are precise in their hits.
Seaford's losses came against Mineola and Lynbrook, the teams expected to be their biggest rivals in the playoffs. But the Vikings insist it doesn't worry them.
"I'm confident we'll continue to get better as the season goes," Russell said. "We'll just keep building and building."
Like a crescendo.
