Syracuse, N.Y. — Many Section III girls volleyball players have thrived in new or expanded roles this winter.

We polled CNY coaches to see which players have excelled as newcomers to varsity play or who have seamlessly handled increased responsibilities.

Here are the responses we got:

Grace Bertone-Nicotra, Christian Brothers Academy, sophomore, middle blocker

“Despite being the youngest player on my team and a first-year varsity player, Grace plays with the intensity and level-headedness of a senior. She’s an outstanding athlete and even better teammate, always showing up every day with a positive attitude and a drive to get better.” — Kristen DeLorenzo

Phoenecia Hathway, Sandy Creek, outside hitter, senior

“Her overall insight, team leadership, execution of skills under pressure and ability to encourage her team to excel no matter what the circumstances is an important quality an MVP must possess.” — Dori Hathway

Alachiir Kuany, East Syracuse Minoa, middle hitter, sophomore

“Alachiir is becoming a dominant player in our league. She is proving that she is going to be a problem for other schools for years to come. When she has it going, she is probably the toughest player in the league to stop.” — Jake Cline

Makayla Rodgers, Central Valley Academy, senior, defensive specialist/libero

“She brings great effort into playing the position consistently and is one of our key passers and defenders for our team this year.” — Kevin Wheelock

Alachiir Kauny, East Syracuse Minoa, sophomore, middle blocker

“Alachiir as a tenth grader has already shown that she is one of the best middles in the league. Teams are already gameplanning around her and she is a very tough player to stop. We are very lucky to have Alachiir on our team and we all can’t wait to see her development throughout the rest of the season and the rest of her varsity career.” — Jake Cline

Melina Poturovic, Utica Academy of Science, middle blocker, freshman

“Melina has been doing an incredible job this season. She is one of our three captains, and leads our team in both blocks and kills thus far. The team is continuously inspired by her unmatched energy and we are so lucky to have her.” — Ku Ku

Alyssa Tyldesley, Holland Patent, sophomore, middle blocker

“She is a sophomore and is filling the role of middle. She has stepped up into the position and is doing an amazing job as well as being extremely supportive when she is off the court.” — Lisa Aiello

India Clarry-Sohriakoff, Manlius Pebble Hill, senior, outside hitter

“She gives 100% everyday, always looking to get better at whatever she does, a true leader. She is a three-year starter on varsity, first two years as a libero, we were in need of an outside hitter and asked her to transition. She accepted the challenge, leads the team in kills and is second in digs. She is always looking out for her teammates, younger players offering support and encouragement.” — Jim Tuck

Abby Leamer, Morrisville-Eaton, sophomore, outside hitter

“Abby has stepped into a leadership role on the floor as an outside hitter and primary passer. Abby is a very consistent performer with a calm demeanor. The Morrisville-Eaton Mavericks graduated 5 seniors last year, and with that, Abby has had to step up to fill gaps as a sophomore. She is one of the hardest-working athletes in the gym. She is a steady, high-flying, and effective attacker. When you watch Abby, you see that she possesses a high volleyball IQ. Great things will happen with Abby on the floor.” — Wil Curtis

Savannah Wilcox, Mount Markham, junior, setter

“Savannah took over for Addie Jones, who had 1000 career assists. She has worked very hard to go from a role player as a sophomore to running the offense as our starting setter as a junior. She had 113 assists through the first 4 matches of the season.” — Terry McKane

Sydney Catello, Oneida, sophomore

“Sydney Catello is chosen as an instant impact player because she leads our team in both kills and aces while setting the tone as a vocal and reliable leader on the court. Her strong leadership, combined with her impact on both offense and defense, makes her an invaluable asset to the team.” — Gracie Morris

Ellie McNally, Port Byron, sophomore, middle blocker

“As a newcomer to varsity as a tenth grader, Ellie McNally has made a great impact. She has taken on a big role in the middle. Since losing both our middles last year she has been willing to learn and has been putting in the work and getting better and better each practice. I can’t wait to see what text two years can bring with her.” — Keirstan Bozeat

Arynn Day, Remsen, freshman, setter

“Arynn is a freshman that made the varsity team this year. She is a starting setter and has made a positive impact on our team since the very first game. She averages between 10-20 assists each game and has the most assists on the team. She is a consistent defensive player as well. She has also racked up many aces this year, which is extra impressive as a freshman.” — Amy Piaschyk

Jenna Preski, Rome Free Academy, senior, outside hitter

“This impact player is a previous varsity player that has stepped up tremendously this season. As a coach, it’s not just the stats that she produces on the volleyball court, but it’s the “IMPACT” she has on and off the court to keep the team together. Jenna Preski has embraced the captain/leadership role where she emphasizes the coaches’ coaching philosophy by communicating, motivating and providing the team with direction in teamwork and the importance of supporting each other in all aspects of volleyball (the good and the bad). Jenna Preski leads by example and demonstrated herself with her commitment and devotion to the team. She always fosters positive and encouraging energy and brings the best out of her teammates.” — Pete Keoviengsamay

Makenna Montieth, Sandy Creek, junior

“Makenna Montieth has made a positive impact on this year’s winter volleyball team. Her work ethic on and off the court, in and out of season has helped her excel to become another piece of the overall plan to be a competitive, successful team again this season. Intentionally increasing her level of play and being committed to not settle for anything less than her best is a huge attribute to the overall success of our team this year.” — Doriann Hathway

Madison McCall, South Lewis, sophomore, outside hitter

“Madison is in her second season on varsity as a sophomore. She was a setter last season, but injuries within the team required her to move to the outside hitter position this season. She has proved herself to be an asset in this role averaging five kills and six digs per game.” — Molly McCall

Box Score MALIBU, Calif. –  The Pepperdine men’s volleyball team (2-0) secured their second sweep of the weekend Sunday afternoon, defeating the Wildcats of Daemen (0-2) in three straight sets.
 
“The two matches this weekend were good,” head coach Jonathan Winder said. “Both opponents were quality. Both matches we were able to have some really good service runs and stuff a lot of balls, so that is a good sign for [us.].”
 
With the most kills in the first set with 12, Grant Lamoureux led the charge with four of his own. The Waves pulled away from the Wildcats fairly early with the help of James Eadie serving six straight for five points behind the line. The set ended on a Ryan Barnett ace as Pepperdine took the early 1-0 lead with a 25-17 win.
 
The second set had an identical score to the first as Ryan Barnett and Cole Hartke both picked up four kills. Withstanding a potential momentum shift, the Waves remained steady going down early 7-3. It was Eadie for the second straight set who would lift Pepperdine out from the deficit, bringing them back to within one on four straight serves. Back-to-back blocks from Eadie, with assists from Barnett and Andrej Polomac, gave the Waves the 19-16 lead they would hold onto in the 25-17 set win.
 
In contrast to set two, the Waves took the lead from the jump in the third, never letting up. Barnett shined with five kills and two aces in the 25-14 victory. The biggest lead for the home team came on an ace from Noé Matthey at 9-18 before the final nine-point win to secure the sweep.
 
WAVES VS. WILDCATS
 
PEPPERDINE ATTACK BY SET
Set      K         E         TA       Pct 
1         12      4         24       .333
2         10       3         22       .318
3         10      3         19       .368
 
DAEMEN ATTACK BY SET
Set      K         E         TA       Pct 
1         11       7         25       .160
2         6         7         21       -.048
3         6         7         18       -.056
 
In the third and final match of the season-opening home stretch, the Waves welcome No. 10 UC Irvine to Malibu Friday night. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. with streaming available on B1G+ (subscription required) and live stats available at www.pepperdinewaves.com
 
 
GAME NOTES
• Cole Harke and Ryan Barnett led the Waves with nine kills a piece.
• Overall, the Waves hit .338 compared to the Wildcat’s .031.
• Barnett came out on top with the better hitting percentage of .412.
• Barnett and Grant Lamoureux put on the best show behind the line with three aces a piece.
• Andrej Polomac led Pepperdine in the second straight match in digs with eight.
• Polomac also led in assists, accounting for 24 of Pepperdine’s 29.
 
ABOUT PEPPERDINE MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Pepperdine men’s volleyball boasts one of the richest histories in collegiate volleyball, with five NCAA National Championships. Four of those championships came under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Marv Dunphy who totaled 612 victories in 34 seasons at the helm. With 19 NCAA Appearances and 63 All-Americans, the program has consistently been a destination for top talent across the country. Under current head coach Jonathan Winder, the Waves reached the NCAA Final Four in his third season at the helm in 2025.
 
TICKETS
For more information and to purchase tickets to upcoming home events, visit here.
 
FOLLOW
To stay up-to-date on the latest Pepperdine women’s soccer news, follow the Waves on social media @PepperdineMVB_ .
 

FALL RIVER — The 2025 Herald News Fall All-Scholastic continues with girls volleyball.

Top players from Greater Fall River schools — Atlantis Charter, Joseph Case, Diman, Durfee, Somerset Berkley and Westport — put on a show last fall.

The Cardinals advanced to the Final Four for the third time in four years. Senior captain Madilyn Botelho was once again named the Player of the Year.

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team will host a pair of doubleheaders this Wednesday and Friday at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center with matches starting at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each day. Below are important ticket and parking information for this week’s matches.
 
Parking

• With UH-Mānoa back in session, there will be NO ON-CAMPUS PARKING (Lower Campus or Upper Campus) for the 11:00 a.m. match each day. On-campus parking is reserved for students, faculty, and staff only. Public parking will be available for the 7:00 p.m. match each day.
• Men’s Volleyball Season Parking Passes are not valid for the 11:00 a.m. matches, but will be accepted for the 7:00 p.m. matches.
• For the 11:00 a.m. matches, fans are encouraged to find street parking, get dropped off, use public transportation, or ride share to campus.

  • A limited amount of paid public parking is available at Varsity Building Lot, which is a short 5-10 walk to Bankoh Arena, or at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i, which is a 15-20 minute walk. There is no shuttle service for either location.

 
Tickets

• A single ticket is valid for both 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. matches each day. Fans must bring their ticket to both matches for admittance. (Buy tickets)
• The 11:00 a.m. match is general admission seating (excluding courtside seats).
• The 7:00 p.m. match will be normal reserved seating.
• Tickets may be purchased at etickethawaii.com.

  • Wednesday’s “Hawai’i’s Heroes Night” features the popular $5 Serve and Save ticket promotion for select upper level seats and 50% off adult tickets for first responders.
  • Friday’s “Alumni Appreciation Night” provides 30% off upper level adult tickets for UH Alumni hawaiiathletics.evenue.net/promotions/UHALUM2526

 
The 11:00 a.m. matches were scheduled as a community-driven initiative to bring students to the UH-Mānoa campus. Wednesday’s match is part of UH’s on-going “Education Day” program and invites students from various elementary schools throughout O’ahu. Friday’s 11:00 a.m. match is billed “Club Team Take Over Day” and will turn the spotlight on club volleyball as dozens of mainland and local club teams are expected to bring the energy in a spirited atmosphere.
 

#HawaiiMVB

Zach Rama and David Decker led the way for the Bruins (2-0, 1-0 MPSF). Rama had his second double-digit kill performance of the season, finishing with 11 on the night, while Decker set a new career-high five service aces in the win. Middle Blockers Cameron Thorne and Micah Wong Diallo tallied six and nine kills, respectively, and combined to hit 15-for-18 (.833 hitting percentage) on the night.

As a squad, the Bruins hit. 472 for the match, and limited Concordia (0-2, 0-1 MPSF) to a .182 hitting percentage. UCLA had 41 kills, 12 service aces and seven blocks on the night.

In the opening set, Decker went on a hot serving run from the line, helping the Bruins earn five points in a row, adding an ace and a kill to make it 13-5 Bruins early on in the first set.

Setter Andrew Rowan then added three aces in a row of his own to push the Bruins in front 18-7, before UCLA closed out the opening frame on an attack error by Concordia, giving UCLA set one 25-13.

In the second set the Bruins continued to pile on the pressure from the service line. UCLA had three service aces in the set and also hit a match-high .542 en route to a 25-20 set two win. Decker recorded two service aces in a row to put the Bruins up 10-7.

Concordia closed the gap to 17-15 midway through before A Thorne kill and a Decker ace pushed UCLA’s advantage to 19-15. The Bruins then closed out the set with a kill from Rama to take the second set, 25-20.

In the final set of the match the Bruins won it 25-17. UCLA never trailed in the set and opened up a 10-6 lead after a block from Thorne, and a service ace from Kelly. UCLA then pushed the lead to 15-8 off a kill from Sean Kelly and another ace from Rowan.

Christopher Hersh recorded his first action of the season and hammered home a kill to put UCLA up 19-12, before Rama recorded two kills in a row to extend UCLA’s lead to 22-14. Decker then clinched the set and the match with his fifth kill of the night to give UCLA the set win 25-17 and the match sweep, 3-0.

Up Next: UCLA returns to action on Saturday night at the First Point Collegiate Challenge in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bruins will take on Ball State on Saturday evening at 6:00 pm PT, and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+.