If you’ve ever been to a Rye volleyball match and wondered why one of the girls is wearing a different colored shirt, it’s because she’s the libero. A defense-only player who can’t serve, go on offense, or spike the ball, the libero is often considered the toughest position on the court because it requires corralling a ball that’s just been spiked over the net.
Rye senior Emma Lunstead has given a master class in how to play libero. From the first match this season, the veteran captain has taken charge. In Rye’s opener, Lunstead had 23 digs in a four-set road win against defending Class B state champion Blind Brook.
The Garnets, who are now 12-3, went 9-1 in September, and Lunstead was recognized with Athlete of the Month honors from the Rye Lions Club and the Rye High School athletic department.
“I know that we have one of the best liberos in the section in Emma Lunstead,” said Rye coach Geri Jones. “Emma is the heart of our team. She leads the defense and sets a work ethic by example.
“Emma has been our libero for three years and just continues to get better every day. The team has so much respect for her on and off the court. She is supportive, kind, and smart. She has a high volleyball IQ, which makes her ability to read other teams and execute an effective defensive strategy essential to our success this season.”
What does Lunstead, who also plays volleyball for the Chelsea Piers club team in Stamford, believe makes her a good libero?
“I don’t mind throwing my body around on the court,” she said. “And I guess I have good vision — it helps to see the wrist angle of the other team’s hitters as they’re about to strike the ball to know where it’s going.”
Off the court, Lunstead likes to write and enjoys all the English classes she has taken, but she plans to major in biology.
“I hope to become a veterinarian,” she said. “I have a dog and a cat now, and I’ve been riding horses since I was 10.”
Lunstead has served as a volunteer helping children with disabilities learn to ride at Access Equestrian stables in Bedford.
As with the other monthly winners, this victory makes Lunstead eligible to be named Rye’s Athlete of the Year at the Lions Club’s annual awards luncheon in the spring.
“I have to thank my coaches, Geri Jones and Rachel Poccia, for helping me become the player I am,” Lunstead said.
