Sachem North boys volleyball's Bryan Kuhl, Teagan Savas key win over Bay Shore
Teagan Savas of Sachem North elevates before a kill in the third set of a Suffolk Division I boys volleyball matchup against Bay Shore on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 in Lake Ronkonkoma. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Bryan Kuhl has had the chance to set for some outstanding outside hitters the past few years.
Teagan Savas is no exception.
Savas slammed down 38 kills and Kuhl racked up 50 assists to lead Sachem North to a 25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20 win over visiting Bay Shore in Suffolk I boys volleyball on Thursday.
Savas took over as Sachem North’s top outside hitter last year and thrived in the role, totaling 274 kills. But the 6-2 senior reached a different level in the offseason.
“He’s made a big leap from one year to the next,” coach Matt Rivera said. “Even from the end of last season to the first couple of days of this season, he’s just made tremendous progress He became obsessed with getting better.”
“I’ve seen him grow since our middle school days and it’s been special to watch him develop under guys like Sam Morreale and Jake Spring,” Kuhl said. “His hard work is starting to pay off and everyone is starting to see it.”
Time and time again, Savas casually soared above the net and threw down unreturnable attacks. He had 11 kills in the fourth set, including Sachem North’s final two points.
“Me and Bryan play travel ball together, so we’re with each other all year round,” Savas said. “He trusts me and I trust him. When he needs me, I’ll be there for him.”
When it wasn’t Savas doing damage, it was junior Sal Echel, who had 12 kills, six aces and a block. Ben Morreale served as Sachem North’s second option last year, but made the full time move to libero this season.
“Sal is very high-energy,” Savas said. “When you need him to put a ball down, he will. He has a really good swing and good vertical. He’s been working really hard to step into that role.”
Morreale had 30 digs and four assists for Sachem North (6-0).
James Huber had 22 kills, two aces and a block and Tanner Wissmann had 14 kills and two blocks for Bay Shore (4-1).
After reaching the Suffolk final in 2024, Sachem North went 7-7 last season and lost its last four games to miss the playoffs. Kuhl and co. have staked their claim as a top contender this season.
“We had high expectations going into last year and we didn’t meet those expectations at all,” Kuhl said. “We took it upon ourselves to acknowledge that that was not the standard that Sachem North is known for and that we will not go out quietly again.”
Matt Lindsay is a high school sports reporter who joined Newsday in 2022 after graduating from Stony Brook University.
