Bellmore JFK wins LI Division II boys volleyball crown
Bellmore captains Steven Gassert (20), Jake Sherman (5) and Matt Murphy (12) hold up their trophy after winning the Long Island Class B boys volleyball championship. (Nov. 13, 2012) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Bellmore JFK defeated Eastport-South Manor, 24-6, 25-15, 29-27, 22-25, 25-22, Tuesday night to win the Long Island Division II championship, its first boys volleyball title in program history.
"It's fantastic," coach Dennis Ringel said. "It couldn't have happened to a better group of guys. They were so dedicated all year. They worked hard for this moment."
The Sharks won the fourth set, forcing the Cougars (22-0) into their first fifth set of the year. Still, they showed no signs of intimidation. "They were excited for it," Ringel said. "They knew the task at hand and they were ready for it."
Bellmore JFK took an early lead in the fifth set and never allowed ESM to tie it. The Cougars used toughness and resiliency to win the fifth set.
"To play the way they played going into a fifth set after playing four matches in four days is just incredible," Ringel said. "It really shows the maturity and character of this team."
Steven Gassert had 18 kills and 11 digs. Gary Anderson had 14 kills and 24 assists. Ron Gutman had 10 kills and five blocks. Matt Murphy added 14 digs and eight kills and and served 95 percent. Adam Lowell had 13 digs. Jake Sherman had 31 assists and 13 digs. Justin Feigeles had seven blocks and five kills.
Bellmore JFK plays Lake Shore in the final Sunday at 4 p.m. at Glens Falls.
