Boys volleyball: Arlington relishes breakthrough season in its second year

There were several times this fall when Lauren Moran went home with bruises on her arms, thanks to the volleyball team.

Those often were the result of her deflecting blistering serves while participating in practice sessions.

To that, the coach smiled. Because she considered those literal marks of honor, tangible evidence of the progress her team was making.

Moran was hired in August by Arlington High School, tasked with helping develop the nascent boys volleyball program. This season, she said, was as much about them learning together as it was her teaching.

So, when the Admirals enjoyed a head-turning turnaround campaign, improving by 14 wins and reaching the Section 1 semifinals earlier this week, Moran said, “it felt incredible.”

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Fourth-seeded Arlington had a good enough regular season to earn a home quarterfinal match, and it surged in a four-set win over Suffern on Monday, further stamping the season a success.

“It was awesome, especially because it was the same group as last year,” said Moran, who was voted league Coach of the Year. “For them to come such a long way, see how much potential they have and get to that level, was so fulfilling. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

Several players had breakthrough seasons, of course, including senior Ethan Frank, an outside hitter who earned all-section honors. Damian Portero and Matthew Johnson were named all-league, and Jayse DiGregorio is a budding star.

Arlington has long had a successful girls volleyball program, and Moran was a member of its 2010 squad that reached the state final four. But they were among the schools last year that established boys teams to join Section 1’s expanding league. The Wappingers school district was another.

SUNY New Paltz and Vassar College have elite Division III men's volleyball programs, and boys volleyball is prominent in some areas upstate and on Long Island. It does also have a state tournament, though the sport began dissipating in this region at the high school level in the 1980s. But, with a cluster of local teams now, there is a modest revival.

The Admirals struggled mightily in their inaugural season, which was understandable, considering most of the team had only played the sport recreationally before. As well, most of them barely knew each other. Their first day in the gym together felt “awkward,” Moran said the players told her.

The group was attempting to learn many of the basics on the fly and build a rapport while competing against several established teams. Their 1-16 record was indicative of those challenges and made clear how much of a gap there was to bridge.

Longtime Arlington girls coach Maria Greenwood suggested Moran apply when there was a head coach opening for the boys team. She also began coaching the Downstate Volleyball club team.

“I told them we’re gonna create a legacy and put some respect on the name,” Moran said of her initial meeting with the players and parents. “‘There’s no reason we shouldn’t have a good program. Let’s create a buzz and earn some recognition.’”

It helped in the development, she said, that the entire team returned from the previous season and there already was a solid chemistry throughout 12-player roster. Despite all the losing, the group had fallen in love with the sport and there was a sincere eagerness to grow.

At the same time, Moran was learning more about the nuances of men’s volleyball, including the difference in passing schematics and the adjusted role of the libero. And, of course, the 60 mph serves. The players offered suggestions and demonstrated, and she was receptive. As a coach, she said, “you’re in constant search of information and there’s no room for your ego.”

While Moran studied film — breaking down men’s college volleyball videos — and meticulously crafted strategies, players often approached her asking to be critiqued and to be sent videos with technical details.

“It was an open-minded and organic chemistry,” she said. “I’d compile educational material for them and there was such a hunger for it. They took it seriously and were so competitive, wanting to improve, and that made it easier.”

Portero starred as a libero and emerged as a strong vocal leader, helping guide them to a 15-4 record. Frank racked up more than 200 kills this season and has received offers to play collegiately.

Johnson, a sophomore setter, plays an all-out style and carries himself with a grit and maturity belying his age, the coach said. DiGregorio demonstrated such immense talent as a freshman, Moran said, “he could become a (Division I) college player.”

Moran said coaching boys was an "easy transition" because she grew up with brothers, and because this group “was so fun and coachable.”

Their season ended Wednesday in the semifinals with a three-set loss to top-seeded Clarkstown North. The undefeated team is in its ninth season and was, obviously, a heavy favorite.

“There’s no shame in losing to a team like that,” Moran said. “But it’s motivation. It’s a reminder of how much better we have to get and how much work there is to do.”

Seven of the players are expected to return next season and they’ll be joining Moran on the club circuit later this month, honing their skills from winter through the spring.

As well, she said, she’ll be interning with the Vassar men’s volleyball team this winter, assisting its coaches. The Brewers reached the NCAA Division III semifinals last season and the goal, she said, is to absorb knowledge from the players and coaches.

“I’ve known these guys for three months and it feels like years,” Moran said of the Admirals. “It’s such a rewarding feeling as a coach, seeing a team come together and click in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And then to know that they’re not done improving. They’re dedicated and have the work ethic. We’re gonna keep getting better.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Boys volleyball: Frank, Portero help Arlington ascend in second year