Even though he is a natural setter, Victor’s Matt DeLong had no problem playing libero as a sophomore and junior. DeLong stepped into the starting setter role in 2011 and the Blue Devils continued their success, winning a second-straight state boys volleyball championship.

That’s why DeLong is the Daily Messenger’s 2011 Boys Volleyball Player of the Year.

DeLong felt the position change helped him have such a strong year.

“It was moving back to my normal position of setter and playing with the kids I’ve played with in club,” he said. “We had that connection and we fine tuned it a little bit.”

The senior wrapped up his fourth year of varsity volleyball for the Blue Devils. He also plays for the Victor Volleyball Club.

Coming off a state title in 2010, the Blue Devils were motivated at the beginning of the season.

“We were really ready to go,” DeLong said. “We knew we had lost a couple of key players. We knew it wouldn’t be as easy as it was last year and we had to work harder and play better.”

Victor won its fourth-consecutive Section 5 title by beating Brockport 3-1. DeLong had 48 assists and four aces in the match and was named to the all-tournament team.

The son of Kevin and Traci DeLong said the sectional title was the most memorable part of the run….

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