Newsday's top 10 girls volleyball teams one month into the season
Faith Virgilio of North Shore Credit: Kelvin Loarca
1. Bay Shore (8-0)
The Marauders' only loss last season came at the hands of Connetquot in the Suffolk Class AAA final and they are off to another fast start. Behind one of the top liberos on Long Island in senior Kelsie Kennedy and the powerful hitting of Haven Mills, Bay Shore looks poised for another run at the title game.
2. Kellenberg (5-0)
Kellenberg has won the last three CHSAA titles and possesses the talent to continue the streak. The Firebirds have already earned a three-set sweep over St. Anthony's and won the Francis Lewis tournament in early September. Lisa Cortizo was named tournament MVP.
3. Massapequa (5-0)
Massapequa's run of five straight county titles came to an end in 2024, and it has suffered back-to-back losses in the county final to Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK. But this year the team may get itself back on track. Massapequa has strong depth with Emily DeSetto, Keira Elfenbein, Livia Mulhearn, Maggie O’Brien and Reese White all capable of making an impact in every set.
4. Smithtown East (7-0)
The reigning Suffolk Class AA champs looked poised to be a fixture in the county title race for years to come, getting major contributions from freshmen Skyla Sullivan, Rosemarie Remsen and Samantha Keil. Now as sophomores, the trio alongside senior Brianna Cerullo have surrendered just two sets.
5. Sachem East (8-0)
Sachem East’s early success is a surprise to no one, as it is led by one of Long Island’s top all-around players, Bridget Hansen. She is superb at any spot on the floor. The senior has 106 assists, 102 kills, 57 digs, 24 aces and 18 blocks.
6. Division (6-0)
The Blue Dragons are undefeated and a big factor in their success is Miyah Mirelis. The senior has already tallied 43 kills and 18 blocks, forming a formidable trio with fellow seniors Analiah Delacruz and Olivia Kozich.
7. Port Jefferson (11-1)
The Royals have won four straight county titles and are undefeated in league play this season. Senior Ava Reilly eclipsed the 2,000-assist mark last week, becoming the first in program history to reach the milestone. Port Jefferson’s only loss came in five sets to Ward Melville.
Faith Virgilio of North Shore Credit: Kelvin Loarca
8. North Shore (6-1)
The Vikings lost to Plainedge in their second game of the season but have since rattled off five straight wins. Devyn Mandell and Faith Virgilio have been effective on the outside as North Shore has pulled out five-set wins against tough opponents in Floral Park and South Side.
9. Mount Sinai (6-1)
The Mustangs have already tripled their win total from last season and have impressive victories over Sayville and Sachem North. Savannah Hesse and Hailey Trepiccione each have multiple games with double-digit kills.
10. South Side (2-2)
The reigning state Class A champion has gotten off to a slow start, but the talent is undeniable. The Cyclones lost three all-Long Island players to graduation, including Newsday’s Player of the Year, but still have second-team member Lena Miller to lead the current group.
On the cusp: Connetquot, Half Hollow Hills West, Mineola, Plainedge, Ward Melville
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
