Class A Volleyball – Syosset vs. Plainview JFK @ Roslyn High School, 7p.m.
When asked to describe his team in one word, Syosset high school boys volleyball coach Brian Donaghy doesn't take long to respond.
Commitment.
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"Last year we really didn't have a committed team like we have this year," said Donaghy of his clubs biggest strength. "These guys are the most committed team I've ever had."
That devotion to the program and what Donaghy preaches will be on full display tonight when the Braves take on Plainview JFK in the third round of the Nassau County Class A playoffs at Roslyn High School.
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Unlike Tuesday night's opponent Herricks, Syosset is very familiar with Plainview JFK. It was just over two weeks ago when the Braves suffered their first loss of the season in Plainview's gym. The loss, a 3 – 0 sweep by the Hawks, was a shock to Syosset at the time. Now, it serves as a source as a motivation for the Braves.
"We didn't play well that day," Donaghy said. "We know the reason why. I think it's going to be a totally different team out there. We'll be ready to shock Plainview on Friday."
Although Donaghy declined to reveal the main problem in the regular season loss, he feels confident that it's been corrected.
One of the reasons for that confidence is the floor that the game will be played on. The game being played at Roslyn High School neutralizes what the Braves feel was a major advantage for the Hawks two weeks ago.
"Last time we played at Plainview, there floors were way too slippery," Donaghy said of the "unfair advantage" in the Plainview gym."It wasn't normal conditions for any High School team to play."
Even with complaints about the surface, the Braves have tremendous respect for the Hawks.
"They have great ball control," Donaghy said about the upcoming opponent, "They've had a lot of success for the last ten to fifteen years."
For Syosset, it's about this moment. A win over Plainview would be a gigantic accomplishment, but it will take a much better performance then the one the Braves had in the regular season.
A win would shock almost everyone. Everyone, of course, but the Braves themselves.
