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Just one set.
That’s the only thing Eastport-South Manor’s boys volleyball team lost en route to an undefeated season and a state championship this fall.
The Sharks won the Division 2 state title by sweeping Living Word (25-10, 25-13) and Spencerport (25-16, 25-16) in pool play, and then defeating Spencerport in straight sets in the championship (25-22, 25-22, 25-22). The state finals took place inside the Albany Capital Center in Albany on Nov. 23.
Earlier, ESM defeated Roslyn for the Long Island championship and Westhampton Beach for the Suffolk County title. The Sharks were 14-0 during the regular season and 20-0 overall.
During the regular season, ESM Coach Bill Kropp recorded his 400th win as a high school boys volleyball coach. Kropp also coaches a strong St. Joseph’s College men’s volleyball program, which plays in the spring. The winningest volleyball coach in New York state history, Kropp was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
“These student-athletes and coaches accomplished something very special this year, and I’m sure they will remember it for the rest of their lives,” said ESM Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Kevin Trentowski. “They worked hard, dedicated themselves to each other, and played as a team to reach this goal.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed this magical season up close with the team and their
families,” he added.
The one set that the Sharks did lose this season was in their very first match to Sachem North. The team won a total of 67 sets.
