Stunning Loss Ends East Hampton’s Title Hopes

The East Hampton girls’ volleyball team looked to be a title contender and perhaps even advance to the elusive New York State Final Four tournament.

Winners of 13 straight (12-0 in League VI), the Lady Bonackers needed only to dispense with Kings Park Monday, November 5, to remain undefeated and continue what seemed to be the inevitable march toward the Suffolk County Class A title.

The Lady Kingsmen had other plans, and, as evidenced by their 10-2 record in League V (13-4 overall) were not to be taken lightly.

As it turned out the visitors wanted it more, coming out of the gate to win the first two sets and then withstanding a furious Bonacker comeback that evened the match, 25-23, 25-17, 19-25, 25-13. The rally, though, left Kathryn McGeehan’s charges spent, and Kings Park finished off the home team convincingly, 25-13 to move into the semifinals.

East Hampton beat Westhampton 3-0 and Kings Point lost to that rival 3-0, making the upset even more surprising. Further, the Bonackers hadn’t lost a set in over a month and only lost three all season.

Mary McDonald, Elle Johnson, Ella Gurney, Madyson Neff, Nicole Realmuto, Connie Chan, Claire Hopkins, Erin Decker, and Julia Kearney played their final game for East Hampton.

Kings Park will play Westhampton beach in the semifinals on Wednesday, November 6. The final will be held on the following day at Suffolk Community College Brentwood at 5 PM.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com