The Rhinebeck High School varsity volleyball team believes it has the core in place to take the next step and qualify for the Section IX playoffs.
The Hawks, who did not qualify for sectionals in 2023, will open the season with road matches at Mount Academy, Sept. 5; Webutuck, Sept. 12; and Millbrook, Sept. 17, before hosting Pine Plains on Sept. 19.
“I just like to win some games and go as far as we can,” said senior Addie Fountain. “I think everyone is looking really good. We have a pretty strong team. It’ll definitely be a lot of fun.”
Coach Courtney Reichelt is pleased with the turnout and with what she has seen in preseason.
“We have a lot of girls who love the sport, want to play and want to improve,” she said.
“We just need to be more consistent with our basic skills this season. I think we do have some positivity on the court. They are all there to support each other. We just need to work on those basic skills and just be more consistent with the passing, setting, coming up strong for those hits and play less timid and with fewer nerves. I think they have it in them.”
Fountain will bring offensive leadership at the net. Senior Danielle Rocco will provide leadership from the libero position, a defensive specialist playing in the back row who will keep the ball in play and will make passes to the setter.
“We’re building a family,” said Rocco. “It’s amazing to be back. I could not be happier. I have been playing for a long time. I absolutely love the sport. I think we are doing really well, a lot better than we were doing last year. I’m super excited to be back and we’re all super pumped to be here.”
Junior setter Madison Ranalli said communication, hustle and coming together as a team would be key for the Hawks.
“Everyone here is a great athlete and super friendly,” she said. “It’s just great to be around this group.”