Sports

Eagles grounded in boys volleyball final

Academy of American Studies had not been past the second round in coach Josh Yang’s tenure and last year the Eagles were shocked in the first round. So coming into this season the expectations were modest.

Along the way, though, American Studies began playing the best volleyball in program history, even becoming the chic pick to win the city title after three tournament victories and wins over virtually every significant team in the league.

That’s why Thursday’s 25-19, 25-22 loss to No. 1 Bryant in the PSAL boys volleyball city championship match was an odd one for the second-seeded Eagles. They weren’t disappointed necessarily, but could almost taste that title.

“Definitely mixed feelings,” Yang said. “The motto was get to the second round and see what happens. All my kids, if I told them we would make the finals I think they would have took it just to get the opportunity. That’s what we talk about, the opportunity, giving yourself the chance.”

The chance was there for American Studies (13-2) after a win over New Utrecht in the semifinals on Tuesday. With two of the city’s best and most dynamic outside hitters, Nino Hot and Michal Kasza, the Eagles were even considered the favorite to beat the Owls (16-0) by some pundits. But Bryant’s size in the middle was a major factor, especially combined with the power of senior Troy Gaugler on the outside.

“Troy is not the one that beat us today,” Yang said. “He did his part and the middles did their part. They, as a team, played consistently enough to do the job.”

Michal Kasza had nine kills and Nino Hot had seven kills for the Eagles, who made more mistakes than usual. They were called for multiple net violations and had service errors at inopportune times. But Yang wasn’t unhappy with the way his team played, the way his players swung away on attacks. He just thought Bryant passed extremely well and executed.

After all, American Studies is still a young team. Kasza is just a sophomore and his brother, Piotr, the team’s setter, is a freshman. Opposite hitter Conrad Zajkowski is a sophomore and lightning quick libero Ricky Myint is a junior. The Eagles will lose Hot and middle Sam Vail from their rotation.

“If anything, I know it’s going to motivate them for next year,” Hot said of the loss. “Don’t be surprised if they come here again.”

Yang isn’t ready to make such proclamations. The motto will be the same in 2012 as it was in 2011.

“We’re gonna try to make it to the second round and we’re gonna see what happens,” the coach said. “But I’ll tell you, we’re gonna want it. We’re gonna want it real bad.”

mraimondi@nypost.com