By Mike Zummo
The Marlboro volleyball team took one of the historically strongest teams in Section 9 to four sets on September 5, but ultimately dropped their opening match of the season, 3-1, to the Pine Bush Bushmen at Marlboro High School.
The Dukes lost the first two sets, 21-25, 14-25, but staved off a three-set sweep with a 25-22 win in the third set. However, Pine Bush finished the night off by handing Marlboro a 16-25 loss in the third set.
Katie Thorne led the Dukes with eight kills and nine digs, while Giana Fiore had six kills, 11 digs and two aces. Kalista Birkenstock added 15 digs and three aces, while Jaedyn Lunsford has 13 digs, 15 assists and two aces.
Kendall Morris led Pine Bush with six digs, three aces and 10 kills, and Madelyn Magsamen had 16 digs and nine kills. Monica Ilioiu had 10 digs and nine kills.
The Dukes finished the week with a 3-1 loss to the New Paltz Huguenots at Marlboro High School.
Katie Thomas had 11 kills and 12 digs, while Emma Jackson added 14 digs. Maddie Gibney had 13 digs and Emily Hite had eight kills.
Daphne Paul Laronca led the Huguenots with 23 digs, and Gabby Lutz had 10 kills and six digs. Ella Pons had five kills, and Piper Casey had two kills and six blocks.