Sports Recap: Winning and Working Hard

by Sam Levenson, SSLI '27

Schechter’s spring season is well underway, as Boys Varsity Volleyball wins its fourth straight game, remaining undefeated, while Girls Varsity Softball continues to practice before their upcoming games.

The team worked well together throughout the game. (Schechterli Youtube)

Last Thursday, March 20, Boys Varsity Volleyball defeated the Rambam Ravens of Lawrence, NY, at home, by a score of three sets to one. Schechter came out strong in the first set and nearly doubled Rambam’s score, at 21-11. Sets typically end when a team reaches 21 points, but in the second set a tie forced both teams to continue until one team scored two more points than the other. Rambam came out on top in extra points, to win the set by a score of 24-22. Schechter finished out the game with two dominant sets of 21-19 and 21-8.

This past Tuesday, March 25, Boys Varsity Volleyball took on the YDE Thunder of Brooklyn. Schechter won the game three sets to none, with scores of 21-14, 21-15, and 22-20. Junior Mikey Benlevi said, “I think we just played well overall. There were some really strong hits from Liam Golan and the rest of the team.” Athletics Director and Volleyball Coach Josh Jurysta highlighted some moments, saying, “Jared Greenfeld had a couple of great swings, and Ariel Duftler and Micah Bidner were setting up solid attacks. Noah Schor has also done a great job setting.”

When discussing their strategy and approach during the game, Coach Jurysta discussed the importance of reminding the team throughout the game that “the job’s not finished” to push them to continue working hard until the final buzzer. Additionally, Jurysta explained, “A big mindset focus is staying present—being where our feet are and focusing on what we need to do in that exact moment to score a point.”

Simultaneously, Girls Varsity Softball continues to practice and prepare before their first game next week. Penina Charry, a sophomore, said, “I think our practices have been going really well. We're focusing especially on making our throws more accurate so we can get more people out.”

Between workouts in the batting cages and practices on the field, the softball team is getting ever-so-close to being set for the season. Charry explained, “I think our teamwork and communication are improving every single day. On the field, you can’t always talk things out, so you have to build a strong bond with your teammates.”

Both teams are working hard to improve and step up their game this season. Benlevi added, “My favorite part about continuing to work with the team is seeing everyone’s progress. It’s amazing to watch how we’re improving and working better together.” Charry said, “I know we’re going to have a great season, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

As for the season, Jurysta said, “I love when everything just clicks. When we’re executing all the little things that make us successful, it’s great to watch, and I look forward to seeing more of that.”

Sam Levenson is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since October 2023. Sam is currently a sophomore at Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: slevenson27@schechterli.org