Nicole Diaczun helps Farmingdale girls volleyball remain unbeaten

Nicole Diaczun and her Farmingdale girls volleyball teammates were in a far different place only a few months ago.

Upon completion of their most recent season this past spring, the Dalers had picked up only one victory. Fast-forward to the fall, and their fortunes have certainly changed.

Diaczun had 12 kills, five aces and four digs, and Taylor Reggio tacked on six kills, four aces and two digs as visiting Farmingdale defeated Locust Valley, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18 on Wednesday night in a Nassau AA/B-III and AA/B-IV crossover match to remain undefeated at 7-0.

Locust Valley fell to 5-2.

Diaczun believes a major factor in the turnaround this season has been a newfound level of intensity.

"I think we’re really focused," the senior outside hitter said. "During practices we work so hard and play as if it were a real game. I think that’s really helped our awareness on the court."

Reggio, another senior outside hitter, said a strong sense of chemistry for this team could be the formula for a deep run in the postseason.

"Last season was a little rough, but we’ve really fought through," Reggio said. "We have really great chemistry this season and I think that’s why we’ve been doing so great. I just hope we can keep it rolling because I think we can go places this season."

Farmingdale won a back-and-forth opening set, 25-22, after Locust Valley tied the score at 20. The Dalers then pulled away in the second game after Locust Valley cut the deficit to 14-13 before Farmingdale closed out with another 25-18 win in the final set.

"Good efforts from the leaders of the team," Farmingdale coach Dave Stein said. "Which is what we were looking for. We knew we were coming in here and playing a good team. So we’re fortunate enough to have some great senior leaders and got some nice contributions from a lot of people today."

Once Farmingdale broke the tie at 20 in the first set, they began to find a rhythm that carried them the rest of the way. Junior Brooke Stapleton also helped lead the way on offense alongside Diaczun and Reggio with five kills and four aces.

"When we got here a few people were out of it," Stapleton said. "I know I wasn’t as focused as I should’ve been. But once it was time to get going, we definitely picked up the speed and got on a roll the rest of the game."