Scarsdale Athletic Update: Raiders Girls Volleyball and Soccer Teams

Girls' Volleyball Team is Motivated and Determined

Two wins and three losses might not be the ideal way to start the season, but the Scarsdale Girl's Volleyball team is not phased by their standing. Coming off a Section 1 title last year, the Raiders are motivated to make a state run. Starting libero Rena Li said that it feels "great coming off a strong season because we know how much we are capable of achieving and we have so much potential as a team." Except for using last season as a confidence booster, the girls are trying not to compare this year's team with previous ones. Although it might be easy to draw comparisons, Li noted that the team is "looking forward to the rest of the games and not resting on our section title."

Aiming to use their experienced starting lineup to their advantage, the team is excited to improve their league standings. The starting outside hitter is Sophie Fried, who is a senior and has been on the team since she was a sophomore. She has great offensive skills and contributes to gaining points. The starting middle is Mary Langford, who is a sophomore and is also a major offensive player. Senior Izzy Dechiario is the other middle. She uses her athleticism on blocks to help out the defense. Manya Kula, a sophomore, is impactful in the back row. Annemarie Horn, the team's setter, is a junior. She participates in every play and runs the offense. Senior Clare O'Hara, plays in the back row and consistently passes well in every game. Rena Li, the libero and defensive specialist is the team's backbone on defense, and helps to receive many difficult serves.

Working hard in practice every day, the Raiders are eager for more challenging games as the season unfolds. Although they are reluctant to draw any comparisons, the team is driven by last year's defeats. "After losing in regional finals last year and not being able to attend states we want to return this year as a stronger team."

Look for the Raider's determination at their next game September 27th vs. New Rochelle at 4:30.

Raiders Girls Soccer Team Looks Toward the Playoffs

The Scarsdale Girl's Soccer team started off the season with a1-3 loss against Clarkstown South, but according to staring center Allison Stafford, "The score was not a good reflection of the game, since we played them even the whole time, but had a couple breakdowns in the last 5 minutes." The Raiders then tied John Jay 2-2 in a hard fought battle that went to overtime. Next they beat North Rockland 1-0 at an away game, something that the girl's soccer team hasn't done in seven years. In their next game, the Raiders were missing a few starters due to injuries and lost to Suffern 0-3 but then dominated Mamaroneck 2-1. In their most recent game the team beat White Plains 3-0. Now the girls are on a winning streak, and hope to retain it so they can win the league and earn a high seed going into the playoffs.

Photos by Jon Thaler - see more photos here, Text by Emmeline Berridge