Rye volleyball picked up a fourth postseason sweep Tuesday to advance to the Class A state quarterfinals.
After dropping just one set on the way to the program’s first Section 1 championship, the Garnets made quick work of Port Jervis, eliminating the Section 9 champions in three sets at Mount St. Mary’s College (25-18, 25-11, 25-16).
“The girls really went into this game and executed on all of the things that we practiced,” said Rye coach Geri Jones. “They sat in their confidence, used their skills, and again, executed the game plan.”
A shakeup in the lineup was sophomore Katie Hillis at outside hitter (OH), following her game-winning hit in the section final. The sophomore contributed five kills, five digs, and one assist for what Jones called “an amazing game, both offensively and defensively.”
Senior OH Valeria Medina had the game-winner against Port Jervis, including seven kills, 15 digs, and an ace serve to help the Garnets advance. Nine players graced the scoresheet for an all-around team victory, once again demonstrating the depth of this roster.
“Valeria Medina, Emma Lunstead, Elena Lin, and Margo Ehrenberg kept us in the game today by making beautiful defensive plays and getting the ball to Amelie Modesto to be able to set up our offense,” Jones said. “Phoebe Greto had 17 kills today and was able to get her hands on a lot of the hits that Port Jervis sent over.”
The Garnets (19-4) are one of eight teams to move on to the regional final round, having won nine of their past 10 matches. The team’s next match is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at John Jay-Cross River against Southside (Section 8 champions) or Half Hollow Hills West (Section 9 champions).
With another win, the Garnets will enter state semifinal pool play Nov. 21 at Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls.
