Boys Varsity Volleyball Plays Semi-Final Game

 by Sam Levenson, SSLI '27

Last night, Boys Varsity Volleyball team played their semi-final playoff game at home against Ramaz. The team put up a competitive game but were unable to win. After having a great season in which they won eight games and were undefeated, the season unfortunately ended. Captains Mikey Benlevi and Micah Bidner, who are juniors, led the team through the challenging game.

The final score of the game was three sets to none, but each set was close and competitive, with scores of 21-13, 21-11, and 21-18. The seniors, who had been starters on the team for the entire season, are on their Israel trip, which led to multiple sophomores and juniors stepping up into their shoes for this important game.

Student Government had a special event planned for this game. There were cookies, snacks, drinks, and music, which excited the large number of fans who attended the game. Athletic Director and Volleyball Coach Josh Jurysta said, “It was a really nice turnout. It was great to see all the students come to support the team.”

Freshman Elan Golan, who plays middle on the team, added that the atmosphere was great and energetic, which “boosted our excitement levels.”

The team worked hard to have an undefeated season! (Shir Levenson)

Junior Jonah Resnick, who plays defense on the team, said, “Overall, our teamwork was solid. There were points where things didn’t gel like they should’ve, but we were able to move past them instead of dwelling on them.” Coach Jurysta described that, as this was the first time most of our players were starters in a game, “we did a good job allowing for the learning curve to happen, and we learned as the match went on.”

Coach Jurysta explained that “there were some good things to take away from the game, despite the unfortunate outcome.” Some servers who scored aces included freshman Elan Golan and juniors Zach Staiman, Jonah Resnick, and Josh Jurmann. Mikey Benlevi and sophomore Ephraim Berman played great defense and spiked well. The setters, including Micah Bidner, played a great game. Resnick added, “One of the highlights for me was one of our new captains, Mikey Benlevi, getting an awesome block on the other team.”

This great season ended disappointingly, but the players are optimistic about the team and see this as an opportunity to know what to expect next season. Resnick said, “I’m really just excited to get to work next year with our guys. Everybody will have a year more of experience under their belt, and I know we will put in the effort needed to succeed.”

Reflecting on the game and on the season as a whole, Coach Jursyta said, “I know I speak for the entire team when I say that we wish for a different outcome. But, the loss doesn't take away from the great season that the team had. I'm very thankful for all of their hard work and dedication to our team and to each other throughout the season, and I’m very thankful for all of them.”

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