Finley Girls’ Volleyball-White Has Talent

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ volleyball “white” team recently closed out its season leaving head coach Eric Mininni with the strong impression that many of its 21 players can look forward to successful and impactful varsity level careers.

Finley’s school colors are blue and white and the two girls’ volleyball teams are designated “White” and “Blue” by Section XI.

Finley was captained by Hayden Amar and Natalie Buchner. The two eighth grade setters each contributed 48 assists to the offense. “They are both quite savvy players who understand the game and who provided us advantages during our games,” Mininni said.

Eighth grade outside hitter Molly Barba tallied 38 kills and a 75 percent serve-receive percentage. “Molly Barba is a phenomenal athlete who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time coming up with big plays for our team,” Mininni said.

Emma Aversano, a second talented eighth grade outside hitter notched 22 kills and an 80 percent serve-receive percentage. “Emma was a quiet leader of our team,” Mininni said. “She can do it all.”

Eighth grader Skylar Moore established herself as a “major presence on the front row,” Mininni said. She had 12 blocks this season. Eighth grade setter Rafi Moss had an 87 percent serve percentage. “Rafi is a great all-around player,” the coach added.

A win over Smithtown Accompsett was the highlight of the season. “Everyone played amazing; everything we had one over finally seemed to click during that game,” Mininni said. “The girls showed confidence in themselves that I had not seen all year. It was a great all around team effort.”

The coach is optimistic about the future. “This team is loaded with phenomenal athletes,” Mininni said. “These girls have such potential to go on and become varsity players for Huntington High School.

The seventh graders are amazing group athletes and I am looking forward to seeing their growth next winter.”