Kings Park Volleyball Sets Aim for Third Consecutive LI Title

As Kings Park girls volleyball team prepares to take the court against St. Anthony's on Wednesday, they've set their sight on winning a third Long Island title. 

Kings Park varsity girls volleyball returns to the court this fall after an undefeated 2012 season with high hopes after winning two consecutive Long Island Championship titles in 2011 and 2012. They've got their eyes set on a hat trick and possibly their first New York State Championship. 

"A talented senior class, skilled additions to the roster, and 4 returning starters have the girls thinking three-peat. Kings Park has one of its deepest teams in school history," said Ed Manly, assistant head coach of Kings Parks girls volleyball team. 

Senior setter Kendal Corcoran, a three-year varsity starter and 2012 Suffolk County Class A Tournament MVP, is returning to help lead the team. Corcoran is the " engine that runs this explosive offense," according Manly. 

Corcoran will be joined by the bright pairing of returning senior Joelle Goldstein  and junior  Amanda Gannon as outside hitters. Both have brought home a variety of awards and accolades in seasons past and are looking to add to it.

Other familiar faces in the experienced Kings Park lineup will include senior Amber Walter as a middle hitter and senior Athena Rine, who is expected to serve as a setting specialist after finishing second in aces in the 2012 season. 

"I could put any of my 13 girls in a game and be fully confident they would be successful.  We have so much internal competition on our team, it has really forced the girls to improve and be on point at all times," said Liz Manley, head coach of the girls varsity volleyball. 

One loss that will surely be felt is graduate Tara Trapani, the team's All-County Libero player who is now studying at Assumption College. 

The Kingsmen will be challenged by a difficult early lineup hosting an opening non-league game against St. Anthony's on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. Other challenging matches including Eastport, their rival, on Oct. 11.