Getting revenge on a rival would be sweet enough but it is even sweeter when you make history.
That was the case for Lakeland junior Kelly Mallon, who became the first Hornet to ever record 1,000 career digs in a 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-15) triumph against sister school, visiting Walter Panas, on Sept. 26.
Mallon (30 digs, 8 kills), Sofia Cruz (24 kills), Lynae Petrosino (30 assists), and Caelyn Faison (8 kills, 3 blocks) led the Hornets to the win. It was a rematch of a Sept. 18 contest at Panas, won by the Panthers 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 10-25, 25-12, 15-9).
“It honestly meant the world to me,” said Mallon, who recorded her 1,000th dig in the third set. “My whole family was able to come and watch me complete this huge milestone, which was so amazing. Being the first in school history to accomplish this is definitely very special.”
Mallon said the making of her historic milestone was a true team effort.
“I was able to complete this because of all of my teammates, even the ones I played with in seventh grade,” Mallon said. “Every one of them means the world to me and I’m so grateful for all of them. I also would not have been able to do this without my coaches. I want to thank Steve Fallo, Andrea DiMichele, Tim Fallo, and Keith Miller. I also would like to thank all of my past and present coaches at Downstate Juniors.”
Mallon’s achievement will have a far-reaching affect on the entire Lakeland program according to Lakeland coach DiMichele.
“When volleyball players of all ages see that Kelly from Lakeland High School was able to achieve this incredible accomplishment, it will make them want to work even harder to one day possibly do what Kelly has done,” DiMichele said. “This will strengthen Lakeland’s volleyball program for years to come.”
Mallon’s work ethic is what enabled her to reach 1,000 digs.
“Kelly is a dedicated, play from your heart, never give up kind of athlete,” DiMichele said. “These qualities along with being a hard worker both on and off the court are reasons Kelly achieved this milestone. It was wonderful that we as a team were there to celebrate her.”
As for the match itself, the Hornets definitely had revenge on their minds.
“Losing to Panas last time was definitely disappointing,” Mallon said. “We knew we did not play how we can and we really wanted to prove ourselves this game. My whole team worked really hard and our mindsets going into it were ‘we have nothing to lose, go out there play aggressive and play as a team.’”
Consistency was the difference in the rematch, according to DiMichele.
“Defensively, digs and blocking was more solid this match,” DiMichele said. “We also attacked the ball more aggressively. I’m proud of the way the team worked together and didn’t giving up on balls.”
Lakeland (8-1) also defeated visiting Putnam Valley 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-14) on Sept. 22, led by Taryn Bruno (23 digs, 10 aces), Petrosino (27 assists), Mallon (16 digs, 15 kills), Faison (8 kills, 4 blocks), and Ava Stabile (8 digs).
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