Volleyball: Herricks Girls 2011 Preview

The Herricks girls volleyball team will have a lot of playing experience, court direction and leadership from the return of their senior players this season.

Outside hitters Paige Barnaby and Kim Givelechian as well as Libero Abby Cross are part of a core group who will help the team try to get back to the County playoffs.

2010 Record: 17-2, lost to Massapequa in Class AA quarters

Coach: Tara Krinsky

Returning/Departing Players:

(Returning)

Seniors:

Paige Barnaby

Kim Givelechian

Abby Cross

Junior:

Dana Castaglione, Middle Hitter

(Departing)

Michelle Weinman, Setter

Gabbi Arana, Libero

Madison McGhan, OH

Expectations:

The Highlanders dropped in Class from Conference AA to Conference AA2 this season. They will face newer and tougher opponents in what looks to be an extremely competitive conference.

Some of the teams they will play include Garden City, South Side, Wantagh and Long Beach.

"We will be playing the big dogs in the big leagues," Krinsky said. "But we have some good senior players who should help us and some underclassmen who I believe will step up for us big time this season."

Those underclassmen include Junior Middle Hitter Dana Castaglione and Freshman Lauren Paik who will train in the Libero spot.

"Castaglione is like a utility player for us," said Krinsky. "She can play in any position but I'd like to see how she progresses in the middle."

Of Paik, Krinsky said, "Lauren looks like she is ready to handle the back end at Libero."

Key Games:

9/12 Long Beach 6:00 @ home.

9/16 at South Side 5pm, 9/20 at Wantagh 5 p.m.

9/27 at Garden City 6 p.m.

10/13 South Side 6 p.m.

10/17 Wantagh 7 p.m.

10/21 Garden City 6 p.m.