Fresh off a historic season, the Rye Volleyball team returns for their season opener later this evening, September 2, as they travel to Tappan Zee. The contest marks the beginning of the Garnets’ 2025 sectional title defense.
“We are ready to have some fun,” head coach Geri Jones told MyRye.com before the season. “Many of players are returning and they are hungry to get going. The girls have been training hard, looking forward to the season ahead.”
Jones enters her 12th season at the helm, and her 11th was probably her most memorable. The Garnets clinched their first Section 1 championship, winning five postseason games and finishing 19-5. The squad that led them to the Regional championship game is, largely, still intact for 2026.
“We have strength at every position,” Jones told MyRye.com.
Three Garnets expected to be fixtures in the starting lineup are their newest captains: Margo Ehrenberg, Lexi Kessner, and Amelie Modesto. Ehrenberg will step into the starting libero role vacated by the graduation of reigning team MVP Emma Lunstead.
“Margo is very focused and plays with intention,” Jones said. “She is a leader on the court, taking over calling the defense this season.”
Kessner, who did mostly setting in 2025, is expected to take on a highly versatile utility role, according to her head coach. “Wherever we need Lexi to play, she steps in and gives it her all,” Jones said. “Lexi is the mom of the team, taking care of everyone.”
Modesto was one of Rye’s best outside hitters last season and will continue to be one of her setter’s favorite targets. Jones lauded Modesto’s determination and commitment to improving year over year.
Beyond the captains, middle blocker Audre Campbell, outside hitter Kate Hillis, and outside hitter Giorgia Brizio will have large roles for the Garnets. Both Campbell and Hillis are power players, while Brizio uses her volleyball IQ and technique to accumulate kills and service aces.
The Garnets open the season tonight against fellow Section 1 foe Tappan Zee, the same team Rye defeated in the sectional championship match last year. “We are looking forward to that being our opening game in their gym,” Jones told MyRye.com. “We figured if there was any team that was coming for us this season it would be them, so let’s start the season with that challenge.”
League play begins on September 25 for Rye, whose league consists of just them, Pelham, Byram Hills, and Eastchester. However, the Garnets still have a jam-packed schedule between now and October 19, the regular season finale, before postseason play begins soon after. Of their 18 contests, eleven are on the road – including this afternoon’s tilt against the Zees.
