Make That Five in a Row for Port Jefferson

The Earl L. Vandermeulen High School girls varsity volleyball team continues to build on its championship tradition, capturing its fifth consecutive Suffolk County Class C title with an impressive straight-set victory over Greenport/Southold.

The top-seeded Royals defeated the second-seeded team, 25-11, 25-14, 25-14, in Wednesday’s county championship match at Suffolk County Community College. Port Jefferson controlled the action from the start, cruising to a 25-11 opening-set victory before carrying that momentum through the next two sets to secure another county crown.

The win improved the Royals’ record to 21-1, capping another outstanding season for a program that has established itself as one of Suffolk County’s most consistent volleyball powers. Greenport/Southold finished its season with a 14-3 record.

Several Port Jefferson players delivered big performances in the championship match. Ava Reilly finished with 33 assists and two aces, helping keep the Royals’ offense moving throughout the contest. Sara Puopolo contributed 12 kills and 10 digs, while freshman Sude Ozgur added eight kills.

Anneliese Rago also made her presence felt with nine kills, 15 digs and four aces, providing a strong all-around effort in the title-clinching victory.

The Royals’ success has extended well beyond this season. Port Jefferson has not lost a match or dropped a set to a league opponent since October 2023, an impressive stretch that speaks to the consistency and dedication of the players and coaching staff.

With the county championship secured and no Section VIII representative in Class C, Port Jefferson advances to the New York State regional final. The Royals will host the winner of the Section IX/I subregional on Saturday, November 14, at noon