By Melanie Cane

 

Rye blazed a winning trail into the volleyball playoffs. RHS was seeded fourth for last week’s Sectional Championships. But the Garnets lost to the Ardsley Panthers, 3-0, at home November 5 in the opening round of Section 1 Class B competition.

 

Although the Garnets were excited to start post-season play, they were somewhat storm fatigued and that translated to the volleyball court, where they often seemed somewhat off balance in the first game. In the second game, Rye adjusted their offense to deal with Ardsley’s outstanding defense, and came very close to winning the game. But when Ardsley overtook them for the defeat, it seemed to take the wind out of their sails as the Panthers dominated the third and final game.

 

Coach Andrea Reiff acknowledged that Ardsley had a lot of experience with Sectional games and that they played tougher teams during the regular season.

 

Prior to Sectional playoffs, Rye’s volleyball team, also known as “The Amazings”, won the League title, finishing 14-3 overall and 12-2 in the League.

 

“Ardsley is a great team and the best team we have faced all year,’’ Reiff said. “I thought we were able to keep up with them defensively, but unfortunately we had a difficult time scoring.”

 

Reiff said she’s very proud of how much the girls achieved this season. She’s hoping to schedule some tougher games next season. “I’m looking forward to helping the Rye volleyball program grow,’’ she said.