It’s All about the Serve: Varsity Girls Volleyball Sweeps HANC behind Solid Team Serving
 |
| The Varsity Falcons move to 6-3 on the Season |
Any experienced player will tell you that in volleyball, as in tennis, each successful point is set up by a quality serving game. This was never more evident that in Tuesday (12/24/13) night’s Girls Varsity Volleyball match-up against HANC, a true doubleheader – the two Varsity squads would play one best 3-out-of-5 match followed immediately by a second tilt. With the Hurricanes making the trip to Brooklyn for the double-decker, a great amount of volleyball was on tap for the Varsity Falcons and their fans. And the home fans, out in great and vocal numbers, would not be disappointed.
 |
| One of Danielle Shalam's many service aces |
 |
| Renee Sutton returns the ball |
For the first time all season, the team showed real consistency in placing their serves in bounds, and – with the exception of game 2 of the first match – it led directly to a total domination of their opponents from HANC. In the beginning it was Danielle Shalam, and in the end it was Danielle Shalam. And, in the middle many of her teammates – notably Celia Tawil, Eileen Sutton, Becky Waldman and Renee Sutton - also stepped up to repeatedly rip off runs of three, four or five consecutive service points. But, it was D. Shalam who really set the tone when she took the ball for the second time through the rotation. With the Falcons holding a relatively small lead over the Hurricanes, she delivered serve after serve after serve with power and precision, keeping the Hurricane defense off balance and unable to find any answers. When the dust settled, Shalam had run off 9 consecutive points, putting the game virtually out of reach and setting the tone for the night.
 |
| Animated fans Rock the Falcon's Nest! |
Game two of match one brought complacency to the Falcons, and with it a lack of concentration. Between errant serves and weak returns, the Flatbush volleyballers found themselves in a dogfight. To their credit, they dug deep, regained their focus and closed out the Hurricanes by a score of 25-21. The four point victory in game two of the opening match was the closest HANC would come all night. Flatbush quickly returned to form in game three, closing out the opening match with a 25-14 win.
 |
| Celia Tawil delivers a power serve |
After a quick break, the teams returned to the court for match number two of the doubleheader. Behind solid serving and consistent returns throughout the match, the Falcons dominated their guests. At times, the team demonstrated a rhythm not often seen before in passing the ball to set up better return placement, and even played a number of balls overhead for a spike or two (as demonstrated by Celia Tawil and Eileen Sutton)! With every player getting significant opportunity to contribute, the Falcons swept the Hurricanes off the floor, winning each of the three games by a double-digit margin.
 |
| Eileen Sutton plays above the net |
With exams and a long winter break just ahead, Coaches Shterenzer and Lifshutz knew this was just what the doctor ordered. And, with confidence now at an all-season high, the victories should “serve” the team well as they prepare for what hopes to be a deep play-off run!
 |
Coaches Jen Lifshutz and Evelyn Shterenzer review the line-up
with Senior Co-Captain Danielle Shalam |
Nest Notes:
With the sweep of HANC, Flatbush moves to 6-3 on the season with one match left to play. That match will be the second match of a JV/Varsity double-header with Division-leading Central, with the JV game set for a 7:00 start. It is the final home game of the regular season for the Falcons and it will be Senior Night. Our graduating Seniors will be recognized before the Varsity game on Wednesday, January 29th. Come out, show your support and cheer your team to victory. GO FALCONS!