Rider’s cold streak continues, losers of eight straight

By Lindsay Scarola  

Still yet to play a home game this season, 1-10 Rider volleyball traveled to Blacksburg, Virginia, for the Virginia Tech tournament, looking to bounce back from its prior losses. On Sept. 19, the Broncs lost 3-0 to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and on Sept. 20, they fell 3-1 to Virginia Tech.

‘We need to clean up’

Rider came into the tournament with a clean slate, leaving what happened at the Georgetown/George Washington tournament behind them. Head Coach Jeff Rotondo recognized some adjustments the Broncs needed to make before going up against the Chattanooga Mocs.

“We need to clean up our block and defensive packages and techniques. We were just a little sloppy with some techniques and had moments where we were not executing the game plan in those areas,” Rotondo stated. 

Rider started the first set with a 4-3 lead against the Mocs, who soon gained control after a 10-2 point run, taking the lead to 13-6. The Mocs stayed on top as the game continued. Ultimately, the Broncs were unable to bounce back from this deficit, losing the first set 25-14. 

In set two, the Broncs took the lead to start again, but they lost 25-21 following a run by the Mocs. 

Set three went similarly, ending in another loss for the Broncs at 27-25. The Mocs beat the Broncs in all three of their sets. 

‘Always give 100%’

Before their matchup against the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sept. 20, the Broncs discussed what issues might be interfering with the team’s chances of success. 

“We had a long chat as a team after that game and realized it’s not a lack of skill. We have too many energy dips that come from pushing ourselves,” senior setter Ryley Frye said, “We were [giving]… 100% for each point.” 

During set one, Rider made a run, taking the score from 8-7 to 19-13. The Hokies responded with an 8-2 run, tying the set 21-21. The Hokies won set one 25-23. 

Set two was their closest one yet, featuring 17 ties. Neither team would lead by more than two points in the set. When the score was tied 23-23, junior libero Keegan O’Connor had an ace, giving Rider the set point. The Hokies then scored three points in a row, taking the set.

The Broncs were determined to avoid losing 3-0 across their sets against the Hokies. Being down 16-14, sophomore outside hitter Rylah Robinson and junior outside hitter Kiannisha Santiago both had kills, tying the score. Rider took advantage of an attack error from Virginia Tech to win the set 25-21. 

The fourth set was very tight until the score reached 16-16. The Hokies went on a 7-0 run and took that set 25-18, beating the Broncs 3-1. The Broncs rocky start to their season continues as they hold a record of 1-10. 

Rider will take on Lehigh University at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 25, first serve at 7 p.m.