RHS Volleyball
Young Garnets Have Had Their Struggles This Season
By Melanie Cane
Despite possessing a great deal of talent, the Garnets have a 3-5 record and are 1-3 in League play. They’ve lost games they were capable of winning. Their home game against Lakeland October 4, which they lost 3-1, was one of those games.
The Garnets lost the first two sets 25-13 and 25-14, despite engaging in long rallies and returning well. Midway into the second set, the Garnets’ offense and defense started to come together.
Rye jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the third set. But after a timeout, Lakeland came back out and won seven straight serves. The Garnets tied it at 14 and the teams went point for point to 21. Through true grit, Rye came out on top 25-22.
In the fourth and final set, the teams were knotted through 16 points, but the Tigers pulled out all the stops to win 25-19.
Senior captain Alex Kirk led the team with ten kills and four blocks. Delucia Lepore had 13 assists and Blonstein 11. Mika Mizobuchi had 11 digs and Maddie Depaola 10.
Coach Geri Jones summed up the loss: “Our blockers didn’t stop the Tiger’s middle hitter, and it took us nearly two sets to adjust to the Hornets’ offense.” She noted, “When we play aggressively, we win. Some of the younger players, such as Abigail Hutchison and Mika Mizobuchi, are beginning to come into their own. Lizzie Blonstein and Delucia Lepore are doing a great job running the offense.”
Senior co-captain Alexandra Kirk added, “We have been competitive throughout the season and hope to become more so. Against Lakeland, the positivity and energy of juniors Audrey Miller and Abigail Hutchinson, as well as the willingness of Delucia Lepore to step up when setter Blonstein was injured, allowed us to win a set.”
The Garnets played Pelham at home post-press time.
Mara Ball digs deep for the ball.
Co-captain Delucia Lepore
Co-captain Alex Kirk in motion