High School Sports Notebook

Our Lady of Mercy Academy completed an undefeated run to its second consecutive CHSAA girls tennis championship last week.

The final saw OLMA take down St. Francis Prep 6-1.

The Mustangs were led by Sam Smith, who compiled an undefeated record in singles play. Katie Sincropi and Jillian Cestero ran through the CHSAA with outstanding performances as the Mustangs' top doubles team.

There shouldn't be much of a drop-off next year, either. Only five of the 14 players will be graduating. Coach Peggy Smith expects the team to be back in contention for a third consecutive CHSAA and fourth consecutive league championship next season.  

Former Boys Volleyball Coach Likes What He Sees  

A look around the Plainview JFK gymnasium during last week's crucial boys volleyball match between the Gulls and the Braves brought a familiar sight. Watching the proceedings was former coach Todd Donaghy.

Donaghy, who coached the boys varsity program at Syosset High School for 15 seasons, left after a playoff exit last season to focus on the volleyball program he began at Wheatley High School five years ago.

Although Donaghy may not be coaching the Braves anymore, he is never far away. He was succeeded at Syosset by his younger brother, Brian. Brian Donaghy was an assistant under Todd for 10 seasons before becoming head coach.

The older Donaghy, a former club volleyball national champion, knew he was leaving his brother with a good team. He hasn't been proven wrong, either. The Braves earned a first-round bye in the playoffs and will host a second-round game next Wednesday at 5 p.m.

"Looking at the schedule, I thought this team had a chance to win a county championship this year," Donaghy said of his expectations after last season, "It was hard knowing that I was giving up the opportunity to possibly be a part of that. With Brian coaching, they didn't lose a beat. He can take them to a new level."