Elena Michaels, Olivia Harris help Massapequa girls volleyball to Long Island Class AA title
Elena Michaels had a team-high 16 digs as Massapequa girls won Long Island Class AA title on Thursday Nov 10 2022. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Every time the ball neared the floor, it seemed as if Massapequa’s Elena Michaels would make a diving dig to prevent a score. She dived countless times before getting back up and continuing the rally despite sustaining floor burns.
It proved critical as her defense and Olivia Harris’ powerful kills led Massapequa to a 3-1 win in the Long Island Class AA girls volleyball championship over Commack.
“From the minute I woke up, I was like, ‘today’s Long Islands,’ ” Michaels said. “We have to win this game, it’s so important.”
While Massapequa (18-0) was the favorite, Commack (14-3) never let the match get out of hand. After losing the first two sets, 23-25, 17-25, Commack won the third set, 25-19. And even in the fourth set, when Harris led Massapequa to a 13-1 start, Commack stormed back to trail 20-15.
The five-point lead remained until 23-18, when Harris took over the set again. Harris recorded a kill for point 24, which led to her serving for match point.
Commack’s student section was loud the whole match but was exceptionally noisy as Harris prepared to serve. She quickly shushed the Commack fans with an ace to win the set and match.
“So at the service line, you’re in control of the game,” Harris said. “Our coach always says to get the first one in and then go for it.”
Harris finished with 10 kills and seven aces. Shae Ringel added 12 kills and three aces and Carly Elfenbein had 11 kills.
Michaels knows the reputation Massapequa holds in girls volleyball, which added pressure to Thursday’s already stressful match. With pregame speeches and music on the bus ride, Michaels and the team were well-prepared for the championship.
“As a group, we collectively take a breath,” she said. “[We say], ‘We got this. We are the better team. We were ranked higher.’ There’s a reason why we are undefeated, and as a team, we all believe that.”
Coach Amanda Del Giacco is aware of the outside expectations that come with Massapequa’s name, but she reminded her team not to worry about losing a set. “Everyone loves to focus on ‘oh, Massapequa lost a set,’ ” Del Giacco said. “But we haven’t lost a match.”
Michaels, who had 16 digs, will lead Massapequa again in the state tournament on Nov. 18-20 at Glens Falls.
