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Sports

Strong Starts For Two Syosset Programs

OLMA Volleyball and Braves Cross Country had solid opening weeks.

Mustangs Volleyball Dominates In First Two Games

The Our Lady of Mercy volleyball season could not have started better. Through the first two games, the Mustangs failed to lose a set. A 26-24 third set victory over St. Mary’s on Tuesday preserved the unblemished streak.

“The team has served well and had good energy,” coach Tara Kuhn said.

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Kuhn’s squad has been led by two players with very different skill sets - Olivia Walsh and Jamie Cotone. Walsh had six kills, three aces, and eight assists in Tuesday’s win. Cotone racked up five kills in the season opener against St. Dominic.

“They have helped the team by being leaders on and off the court,” Kuhn said. “Olivia is playing all around as a setter and opposite and is thriving at the positions. Jamie is hitting from the outside and is one of our top defenders.”

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Given the competitive nature of the CHSAA, Kuhn knows how important it is to get off to a fast start. Although she’s quick to point out, the Mustangs cannot let the tough competition faze them.

“In order for this team to continue its success, they need to play their game and not be intimidated by the past finalists and semifinalists in our league,” Kuhn said.

Our Lady of Mercy will continue its season next week with home matches against Kellenberg and St. Anthony’s. Being able to stay in Syosset could be a big advantage for the team.

“It will help the girls focus on what they need to do against those top teams because they will be in a familiar place,” Kuhn said. “They know their court and their gym, so the element of being the away team is not there and the girls can have confidence going into each one of those matches.”

The Mustangs are also scheduled to play in the Harborfields Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 24. 

Braves Cross Country Shines At Jim Smith Invitational

The Syosset Braves boys cross country team enjoyed incredible success at the Jim Smith Invitational, held in Sunken Meadow on Sunday, Sept. 18.

The meet was run under unusual circumstances, teaming runners by grade level. Syosset’s freshman team topped Smithtown by one point in a mile and a half long race. Will Long finished sixth overall with a time of 8:05.

Miles Conforti, Jack Robbins, and Tyler Italiano also finished in the top 15 in the freshman race.  

The Braves sophomores also won their race, defeating Shoreham-Wading River in a nationally acclaimed 5K course.

Ryan DePinto finished in second place, helping Syosset secure the victory. Tommy Vittucci and Simon Nwana both joined their teammate in the top ten.

"The boys had an outstanding day," coach Bart Sessa said.

Syosset will compete in the Safari Run at Great Adventure in New Jersey on Saturday, Sept. 24.     

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