11-2-08 NSCHSAA Semifinal: Kellenberg 3-1 W

St. Anthony’s returns to the league final.

BY JASON MOLINET

Top-seeded St. Anthony’s shook off a slow start to blow past No. 4 Kellenberg, 20-25, 25-15, 25-17, 25-12, in a Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA semifinal in girls volleyball on Sunday at St. Dominic. The Friars (14-1) will face Holy Trinity in the final at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Dominic.

This is the sixth straight trip to the final for St. Anthony’s, gunning for its second title in four seasons. Only this group is far different from years’ past. According to coach Donna Newman. She starts three sophomores. And each was a factor on Sunday.

Sophomore setter Mariel Metalios led the way against Kellenberg with 48 assists. Fellow sophomore Kerrin Maurer recorded 25 digs.

“We’re a young team,’’ Newman said. “We don’t give up.’’

The veterans weren’t bad either. Senior outside hitter Caroline Scalamandre came up with 15 big kills. Juniors Caitlin Connelly (12 kills) and Olivia Abbate (10 kills) were just as effective up front.

A date with the Titans looms next. The teams split during the regular season. Win or lose, the Friars advance to the eight-team state CHSAA Class AA tournament at St. Mary’s in upstate Lancaster on Nov. 8-9.