After what has been a long and successful season for Commack Girls Varsity Volleyball, the Cougars fell just short of the Long Island Championship. They played some of their best Volleyball this season and have plenty to be proud of as their season wraps up.
This outstanding season actually had a rough start. In Commack’s first game they fell short to Connetquot losing in four sets, 3-1. This was a disappointing loss, especially to begin the season, but it didn’t hold them back.
From that point on, Commack didn’t look back, going on a 17-0 run. This was an exhilarating string of games that included some key wins against some of the best teams. They won every other league game including the rematch against Connetquot. Commack then went on to win important non-league and playoff games that brought them back to the Long Island Championship.
Unfortunately, this was the end of the road as they fell short to Massapequa in three sets. This wasn’t their best game, but it doesn’t discount the terrific season they had. It was only the second loss all year. They were the team to beat in Long Island.
“This was a really good team who did a great job. We came along from an ugly start and worked well together to come back. We were excellent together and had great team chemistry” said Head Coach Tracie Morenberg, who is proud of her team’s success. “We learned from mistakes in the previous games and tested ourselves mentally. We showed resilience in games where we were down two sets and ended up winning in five. In the Long Island Championship we had too much of a slow start and dug ourselves a hole we couldn’t get out of.”
Although it may not have been the ultimate result that Coach Morenberg and the Cougars were looking for, it was still an impressive season for Commack as they finished with a 17-2 overall record. This includes the playoff victories which allowed them to win League II and the County Championship.
It was also the first time in school history that Commack repeated as County champs after they accomplished the feat in the 2022 season as well, proving the Cougars are always a top team on Long Island.
Commack’s roster consisted of some of the best players on Long Island which made them such a balanced team. Arguably their best player was Maya Khan who had a terrific season. Coach Morenberg noted that she won the Female Athlete of the Season for Commack High School, making her the best individual female athlete in all sports at Commack High School.
With the season coming to an end, it’s hard to be completely satisfied, but the Cougars played a great season and have proven they still have a bright future. The upcoming season is usually unpredictable, but Coach Morenberg has a good idea of what’s to come.
“I am always optimistic because we have such a great Middle School program and a lot of girls love the sport so much that they play with club teams as well,” said Coach Morenberg. “I’m losing four seniors, but I have four returning starters. Even though I’m losing a few, the core coming back are awesome players. The young role players will also have a chance to step up into new roles next year. We will look to be a competitive and contending team again next year.”
The Cougars will return for the 2024 season and strive to make it even further this team. Not only will they look to win another county championship, but they hope to win the Long Island Championship next year and have the chance to play against some of the best teams in the entire state of New York.
