H-ton Girls’ Volleyball Finishes Winless

Whenever a team finishes its season winless it’s tough on the players and coaches. The Huntington High School varsity girls’ volleyball team compiled a record of 0-12, but the group managed to keep a positive frame of mind.

The eight player Blue Devil squad was captained by juniors Heather Forster and Cynthia Gowani. “As a whole, we improved tremendously,” head coach Natalee Schaeffer said.

Huntington was led by Forster, a middle hitter and junior Marygrace Trousdell, who played middle and outside hitter. “Heather is an all-around athlete with lots of potential,” Schaeffer said. “She has built-up a lot this year and her blocking is great. She has great timing and vertical [ability].” The teenager had a team-high 67 blocks. She added 44 “kills” and six serving aces.

Trousdell led the team with 50 “kills” and 35 aces. “Marygrace is an outstanding athlete who is very collected on the court,” Schaeffer said. “She excels in hitting the ball with power and finesse.” Trousdell also recorded 30 blocks.

Huntington won at least one game in five matches. The Blue Devils lost twice to Comsewogue by 3-2 scores. The team’s morale picked up at the midpoint of the season. “They started to believe in themselves and see their improvement,” said Schaeffer about her players.

Forster, Trousdell, Marissa Acton, Rebecca Caballero and Hayley Petrizzi will be returning to the court next fall. Gowani, Lucie Lavelle and Sabrina Blakley will graduate in June.

“We have five returnees for next year, including three strong players,” Schaeffer said. “I’d like to get in some tournaments.”