IAC VOLLEYBALL: NEW, YET FAMILIAR COACH HOPES NEWARK VALLEY WILL COMPETE (2025-09-03)

By TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
NEWARK VALLEY — Val Fischer is no stranger to the Newark Valley volleyball program, having spent the last six seasons coaching the Cardinals’ JV teams. This season, however, she will look to guide the varsity squad to victory.

NV has taken a few graduation hits in recent years, including four players from last year’s team that was 4-10 in IAC play. They are middle blocker Laura Ludwig, setter Rosie Wandell, and outside hitters HattieSue Hines and Jenna Vosburgh. The cardinals also lost junior libero Maddy Noble, who moved away.

With 2024 behind them the Cardinals and Fischer are focusing on the present and future.

“I have an energetic bunch who loves volleyball and loves to have fun,” said Fischer, who takes over as head coach after spending the last six seasons with the JV team. “As a team we are excited to see what this season has in store for us.”

The coach knows there is some work to do to overcome some lack of experience and getting a handful of players used to new positions.

“We are young as a starting six, meshing the returners from last year, and the now starting rotation from this year has been a fun process being able to move people around, but I think we finally found something that works best for us,” said Fischer.

Coming back this season are seniors Anaya Aylesworth and Adriana Rich at outside hitter and middle blocker, respectively, junior libero/defensive specialist Isla Hendrickson and sophomore right side/outside hitter Haven Aylesworth.

In addition to senior setter Emilee Rhodes, NV has several juniors moving into varsity spots in defensive specialists Kadie Krenner, Hailey Keith and Kate Guiles, and middle blocker Abby Debolt.

There are also three young players in newcomers Rowan Veruto, a freshman outside hitter, and 8th-graders Emma Fenner at setter and Aviah Aylesworth at outside hitter/middle blocker.

“We are looking to compete with everyone we play this year, and making changes to positions and the lineup as needed,” Fischer said.

NV begins the season this evening at Watkins Glen, then opens at home Friday against Whitney Point at 5:30 p.m.

———

2025 roster
1 Anaya Aylesworth, senior, OH
10 Adriana Rich, senior, MB
13 Emilee Rhodes, senior, S
3 Isla Hendrickson, junior, L/DS
5 Kadie Krenner, junior, DS
6 Hailey Keith, junior, DS
8 Kate Guiles, junior, DS
11 Abby Debolt, junior, S
4 Haven Aylesworth, sophomore, RS/DH
9 Rowan Veruto, freshman, OH
2 Emma Fenner, 8th, S
7 Aviah Aylesworth, OH/MB

——————

IN PHOTO 1: Coach Val Fischer moves from JV to varsity. IN TOP PHOTO: Adriana Rich is one of four returnees. … STOCK PHOTOS.

Print Friendly Version