Despite Sweep Boys Volleyball Program is Pointed Up

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On Wednesday October 22, Somers hosted Croton-Harmon Briarcliff Hen Hud at the high school. A large cross section of schools, the Tuskers had their hands full. “There were some big dudes out there,” joked Justin Cirioni. But a tightly contested first set put aside the visuals. That is until it didn’t.

After Somers played to an 18-18 tie, the combined team won seven of the next nine points and followed suit in the 25-20, 25-10, 25-14 victory.

Somers did get out to an early lead, though. With Jacob Anderson and Jaiden Marichal covering a couple of short balls to keep the point alive, Mark Mundis tied the game at one when he painted the back line with a kill.

A five point lead on the way, the home team had some help. A rotation error and three spikes into the net paved the way for an 8-3 game.

No panic for the amalgamation, Croton-Harmon Briarcliff Hen Hud answered with a kill to stop the run and pulled to within 10-8 on another whirlwind and a Somers carry.

Of course, Somers had a few answers too. Marichal responded with a kill and a dink to stop the bleeding and didn’t forget to give his floor general credit. “Jacob (Anderson) is the setter. He runs the offense,” boasted the Tusker big hitter.

Marichal didn’t stop there with the praise either. A great leader, said the senior, “He gives everyone advice on how to improve their game.”

12-11 Somers, CHBHH kindly gave two more points to the Tusker cause, and Ryan Ball maintained a three point lead when his deep push found the floor.

The same goes when a Mundis kill landed for a 17-14 lead. Unfortunately, the tide was about to turn.

Croton’s big front line launched rockets in triplicate to tie at 18 and then too much grit decided the pivotal 19th point. Three spikes for Marichal and two blocks for Jordan Daniyan weren’t enough, and Somers succumbed to their opponent’s relentless onslaught.

A kill, an ace and Somers miscue opened a four point lead, and there was no catching up for the Tuskers. They would face the same problem in the second set. A close 3-2 game exploded into a 15-4 defiit.

A bright spot came again in the form of Marichal. His kill from the middle for a 17-7 game was more a testament to his commitment to improve. “I was a setter,” he said. “I just started playing club volleyball, kept practicing and got better.”The visitors ran away nonetheless, and Somers was never in the final set either. So with his time short, Marichal takes a long view. “I hope this program keeps running,” said Marichal.

Of course, success breeds success, and while the numbers don’t make the case, Mundis believes a foundation has been laid. “The program has grown a lot in the way we act. The way we conduct ourselves, keep the energy up and make sure not to falter after making a mistake,” he assured. “I’m really happy with the direction this is headed.”

A year to go for Cirioni, his compass points up and puts synergy above all else. “I just like the team aspect. No one is left out - even if you’re on the bench,” the junior concluded.

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Thanks, Rich Monetti

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