Rye High Volleyball

By Melanie Cane

In two matches over two weeks, Rye High beat Rye Neck by 3-1.

In their home match on October 10, the Garnets won the first game 25-11, led by Jade Iadarola, who had ten serves in a row, including several aces.

The Garnets lost the second game 25-19. Behind 6-1, they fought back and came within one point of the Panthers, making it 20-19. After the Panthers called a timeout, the Garnets made five unforced errors to hand the game to their crosstown competitors.

In the third game, the teams played evenly and the score was soon knotted at 5. Then the Rye High girls went on a five-point tear. Down 18-7, Rye Neck called a timeout, but Rye High kept its momentum and won 25-8. Cayla Brown served eight in a row with two aces.

In the last game, Rye High led the entire game and came away with a 25-12 victory. Lizzie Blonstein won eight consecutive points on her serve. Iadorala had ten kills and served seven aces. Brown had six kills and four blocks.

Coach Geri Jones gave high marks to her three captains, Blonstein, Olivia Negri, and Iadorala, for “doing an excellent job running the offense, switching their usual rotation of hitters and setters for variety, which worked.”

Rye High is currently 10-2, with their only losses to Ardsley and Pelham, both by 3-2. The girls said they hope to avenge the loss to Pelham this weekend at the Pelham tournament.

Alex Kirk going up for the kill

Cayla Brown ready with the block

Olivia Negri receiving the serve