Second Year Mineola High School varsity volleyball coach Janna Balsamo expects her team to build upon what they learned in her system last year and have much more success. Balsamo, a West Hempstead High School and New York Tech product, says, "Due to the many returning players, as well as club players, we have a lot of potential to do well this year."

The coach numbered seven experienced players, including seniors Christine McPartlan, Kristin McNally and Rachelle Callahan. McPartlan is a second year starting setter, who is an essential part of this year's team. She's a returning all-county performer, who hopes to continue playing in college. McNally is also a second year starter, who played the middle and possesses great dedication and works hard. She was all-conference a year ago. Callagan, a right-side hitter, is a great blocker and team player.

After those seniors, Balsamo is counting on big contributions from her underclassmen. Junior Allyson Strein is a returning all conference performer. She plays outside hitter and possesses great skills and works hard. The coach is also looking for good things from a trio of sophomores - Juliet Barber, Michele Guido and Nicole Lapin. Of Barber, an outside hitter, Coach Balsamo says possesses enormous potential and has the drive necessary. She's a returning starter. Guido has made enormous improvements over the past year and is a player to keep an eye on this season. She plays in the middle. Lapin is a returning starting seetter, who shows enormous potential and hustle. The coach has also brought up a freshman to play varsity. She says Chritine Medlock has great athletic ability and potential.

Mineola plays in a very tough league. But, Coach Balsamo says Wantagh and West Hempstead will be the toughest opponents because of their talent and experience. Wantagh won the county tournament last year.