MVHS defeats Lynbrook in another unbelievable match.
Varsity boys volleyball beat Lynbrook High School 3-2 on April 22 to sweep the season series against Lynbrook 2-0. Judging by the first incredibly close match, both teams expected another intense battle. And that was exactly what they got.
After a tough loss in the first game, 25-23, MVHS took an early lead in the second set, but that was quickly neutralized by Lynbrook. The score remained close and Lynbrook took a 17-15 game late in the set. But the Matadors stormed back with 7 straight points to take a commanding lead in the game, 22-17. After Lynbrook scored two more points, MVHS went on to win three consecutive points and closed out the second game on top 25-19 to even it up at one game a piece.
The Matadors jumped out to another early lead in the third game, but this didn't last and the score remained close until the end. With Lynbrook up 23-22, MVHS sophomore Eric Wong made a key block on a Lynbrook spike to tie the game at 23. Lynbrook countered this by winning the next point and then ending the game 25-23 from a missed spike by MVHS senior Dennis Co to take a 2-1 lead.
Just like the previous three, the fourth game was close throughout. The score was tied at 24 near the end of the game and this intensity brought the crowd into the match. The MVHS fans started chanting "MV" to cheer their team on, and the team rewarded them for their support. They won the next two points including the point to win the game on a block by sophomore Jason Hodges. Fans chanted his name in his support for this game changing play.
Sophomore Ryan Michaelfelder recognized and appreciated the cheering they received. "I enjoyed the support and recognition the fans gave us, with numerous signs with nicknames and cheers," Michaelfelder said. "It was a very dramatic game."
The fifth set began with each team trading points with one another. This went on until it was Lynbrook's match point with the score of 15-14. Then senior Andrew Wong made a clutch play as he spiked the ball out of reach of all Lynbrook players to win them the point. The Matadors took that momentum to win three of the next four points to win the game 18-16 and win the overall match 3-2 to create an uproar in the crowd.
MVHS coach Jason McDonald commented on the intensity of the match. "Overall, it was a pretty well-fought match," McDonald said. "Although it got a little too scary at some points, it was a great game."
Although the team cannot boast a great conference record for their 2-9 season, they can proudly claim victory over their greatest rival as their only two wins. This continues MVHS' trend of dominance over Lynbrook in boys volleyball, as they have not lost to Lynbrook in the three years since creation of the team.
