The Rye girls volleyball team finished 14-7 last year, with a narrow, season-ending 3-2 loss to Byram Hills in the sectional quarterfinals. Coach Geri Jones spoke highly of her squad, saying the short-lived playoff run wasn’t because of a lack of skill or effort.
“We had a good season last year, which was expected,” Jones said. “I had a group that was so dedicated to what our goals were for the season. We fell short … there was a fear of losing. Certainly skill-wise, we could’ve beaten any of the teams that we lost to.”
Although the group graduated a few key seniors in the spring — most notably starters Ashley Dehmer (setter), Erin Ball (middle), and Anna Nolasco (outside hitter) — most of the lineup is returning, which is promising for team chemistry and the chance to build on last year’s progress.
“They were really talented, but not just that, they were leaders on the court,” Jones said of the 2025 senior class. “And the girls that are coming back are just as dedicated, just as motivated with their goals for what we want to do this season, so we’re really excited for this group.”
Returning senior starters Phoebe Greto, Valeria Medina, and Emma Lunstead are this year’s captains, and Jones expects the trio’s experience and leadership to be invaluable.
“They’re very good leaders, [and] they’re very good volleyball players,” Jones said. “They buy into the system, they believe in what it is we’re trying to do. Their presence on the court and their presence with the team is really good.”
Juniors Amelie Modesto and Lexi Kessner will be crucial setters this fall, especially with the loss of Dehmer.
“They’re ready to take on the role of leading the offense,” Jones said. “And the benefit: both of those players can play other positions, as well as set, so we have a lot of maneuverability with the girls this year. Lexi and Amelie are both really good defensive players.”
Other notable returning starters are Olivia Lewis, Sally Moerschen, and Margo Ehrenberg.
To bond and work on their individual and team skills, Rye’s varsity and junior varsity players traveled to a three-day team volleyball camp in July at the University of Maryland. The returners have also hosted voluntary workouts and team conditioning sessions throughout the summer.
As for new faces, the remaining spots on the roster will be determined following tryouts on Aug. 25. Aside from the pursuit of another winning record, Jones said a particular goal is for this group to establish a new team identity. The foundation is there, but finding a rhythm and system that works for this specific group of returners and newcomers will make all the difference.
“We definitely have the talent to go far, it’s really just going to see how the girls end up rebranding themselves now, bringing in newer players,” Jones said. “Because most of the starting lineup is returning, they now have to find their own pace because it can’t be the same as last year.”
Rye opens the season Sept. 5 at Scarsdale, then hosts Blind Brook in the home opener at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 9.
