Wheatley girls volleyball falls in state regional final
Wheatley's Serena Kim returns a volley against Putnam Valley during the state Class B girls volleyball Southeast Regional final at John Jay on Saturday. Credit: Howard Simmons
After winning the program’s first Long Island championship, Wheatley was looking to keep up its historical run.
Wheatley was denied the opportunity at another first-time achievement as it fell to Putnam Valley (Section I), 3-0, in a state Class B girls volleyball regional final on Saturday night at John Jay Cross River High School.
Under first-year head coach Christy Herring, Wheatley went 16-2 in the regular season and earned the second seed in the Class B playoffs. After losses in the county final in back-to-back years, the Wildcats broke through this season with a sweep in the final, defeating Locust Valley.
“I’m really proud of everyone on the team,” junior middle Georgiana Almiroudis said. ‘This was an unbelievable run.”
Then, with an opportunity to make school history, Wheatley pulled out a five-set win over Bayport-Blue Point, winning the final set, 15-13, to win its first Long Island championship.
Wheatley (18-3) had just one senior on this year’s roster. The Wildcats, with a year of deep playoff experience under their belt, will likely be an even bigger threat next season.
“I’m grateful for where we were able to get this season,” junior outside hitter Serena Sun said. “Obviously, I don’t want to lose, but I appreciate being the first team to make it this far."
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
