Written by Bella Wise

The Girl’s Varsity Volleyball Team has been hard at work the past two weeks led by returning Captains Cate Tucker ‘24 and Madison Haft-Abromovitch ‘24. The Wildcats are coming off a tough first season, but the majority of the team is returning players, which should allow for more success. In the team’s first scrimmage against Sacred Heart NYC, however, the new players on the team also played a key role in the Wildcats’ success. The combination of new and veteran players was on full display early on: Chase Tucker’s (‘27) dig and new member Autumn Tombline’s (‘25) incredible set allowed Gabriela Schlumberger (‘25) to score an immediate kill and secure the first point.

Building on that early momentum, Schlumberger scored multiple aces. The scoreboard showed an early Wildcats’ lead, 4-0. Shortly after, new member Ava Morgan ‘27 stepped up playing middle hitter against girls a foot taller than her, yet Morgan still managed to score multiple points, resulting in the Wildcats growing their lead to 8-2. Returning junior Emily Cheigh helped the Wildcats to build the ‘Cats’ lead with her well-placed serves. With momentum from the rest of the team and the fans on the bleachers, the Wildcats were ahead 2-0 in sets. A position the team never found themselves in last season.

Although the third set didn’t go as well as hoped, Dani Penn ‘24 showed up at the perfect moment when the team needed her the most. With the Wildcats down 24-23 and with no room for mistakes, Penn stepped up her game. With one handed digs and backrow attack, she helped get the ball back to Tombline to set up Haft-Abromovitch for the kill to tie up the score. Unfortunately, the Wildcats lost the set 26-24, but won the scrimmage, starting the season off on a great note.

Although this is only the second year of the Volleyball Program at RCDS, new coach Alexi Donnelly is already improving both the JV and Varsity teams. Donnelly was previously the head coach of the varsity team at Trevor Day School in New York City. As a player, Donnelly mainly played outside hitter and defensive specialist. When asked what position is her favorite to coach, she responded, “I don’t have one! As cliché as that sounds, I really enjoy seeing it all come together as one system in live time.” Additionally, Donnelly explains that this season is going to be very different from last year and that she is very excited to build on the energy from the prior season and hit the ground running as a team. As well as Head Coach Donnelly, returning assistant coach and math teacher Matt Chapnick is helping out the varsity team this season.

Captains Tucker and Haft-Abromovitch led the team through grueling three hour days of August preseason with help of fellow senior and teammate Penn. Although last season the captains stepped in as setters for the team, Tombline, who specializes in setting for her club team and now RCDS too, Tucker and Haft-Abromovitch can return to their skilled positions. Captain Tucker’s specialty is hitting right side, whereas Captain Haft-Abromovitch is proficient at pin hitter and steps in as middle hitter if necessary. In addition, Captain Haft-Abromovitch explains, “With a setter we will all have the ability to individually play our strengths.”

Both Captain Tucker and Captain Haft-Abromovitch are most excited for the game against King because they will face off against teammates from club teams. Moreover, they are both very excited for the upcoming season. Specifically, Captain Tucker is enthusiastic about watching the team compete and progress this fall as they continue to develop the RCDS Volleyball Program. Captain Haft-Abromovitch explained that she is, “most excited to run a competitive offense that has the ability to carry us far in the conference.”

UPCOMING SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE:
Tues. September 26 vs. Sacred Heart NYC @ 4:30 HOME
Fri. September 29 vs. Aviator Tournament AWAY
Sat. September 30 vs. Aviator Tournament AWAY