Will move to Class D for state playoffs

It’s almost that time again: The playoffs.

The Haldane High School volleyball team will put the wrap on its regular season tonight (Oct. 18) against Putnam Valley after posting straight-set victories over Blind Brook and North Salem.

The Blue Devils — who are 15-4 overall and 5-0 in the league — will recognize their seniors at tonight’s home game.

Grace Tomann, Olivia Monteleone and Zoe Silverman during the match against North Salem. (Photo by S. Pearlman)

Haldane made short work of Blind Brook (10-7), winning 25-19, 25-18 and 25-21. Senior captain Melissa Rodino handed out 11 assists to go with six kills and two aces, and Maria Barry added six kills, four aces and four digs.

“We did a great job adjusting our defense to pick up balls, which enabled us to run our offense well,” said Coach Kelsey Flaherty.

Haldane also had little trouble with North Salem (6-12), winning 25-9, 25-9, 25-19. Olivia Monteleone had five aces and 12 assists, Grace Tomann had four aces, 12 kills and nine digs, and Barry added three aces, seven kills and three blocks.

Haldane’s Olivia Monteleone (11) leaps to block a shot at the net against North Salem. (Photo by S. Pearlman)

“Olivia ran the offense, which can be tricky, and she stepped up and made sure all our hitters had chances,” said Flaherty. “Grace had the most kills for us; she was very consistent at the net.”

Haldane can clinch the league title with a win over Putnam Valley (11-4). The Blue Devils beat the Tigers in straight sets in the teams’ earlier meeting.

The Blue Devils, who won the Section 1, Class C title in two of the last three seasons, will move to Class D for this year’s playoffs. The only other Class D team in Section 1 is Tuckahoe (11-4), so the teams will play for the title for Nov. 3 at Pace University. Haldane defeated Tuckahoe 3-1 on Sept. 18.

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Pearlman, a native of Carmel, was the sports editor of the Putnam County Courier in Carmel for 14 years and for the North County News in Yorktown Heights for 13 years. Location: Cold Spring. Languages: English. Area of expertise: Sports