Rider University Athletics

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Rider University volleyball team was victorious in its season-opening match Friday evening, topping Fordham at the Cherry and White Invitational, 25-23, 9-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-12, in a five-set classic. The match was the first of the year for both sides.
 
After the Rams jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the opening set the teams began to settle in, then trailing 15-10, the Broncs scored four-straight points on the serve of Rylah Robinson (Fairfax, VA/Robinson). Rider would then tie the set for the first time at 17-17. Down 19-17, Rider scored three-straight capped by and ace from Tyler Adams (Wilmington, DE/Ursuline Academy). Tied 23-23, Rider closed out the set with back-to-back points to take the early advantage.
 
Set two was all Fordham's, with the Rams taking a 6-0 lead, and never looking back in the 25-9 victory.
 
Rider fought back early in set three, jumping out to a 7-1 lead thanks to two kills and a block by Cecilia Decaro (Wilmington, DE/Ursuline Academy). The Broncs would extend the lead to as large as 19-10 before the Rams used a 5-0 run to get back in the set, but would get no closer than three as it would eventually be another DeCaro kill that sealed the set.
 
In set four, Rider got an early 7-4 lead with four kills and a block by Anja Kelly (Naperville, IL/Neuqua Valley). However, with Rider leading 13-12, Fordham went on a 6-1 run to take control of the set. The Broncs pulled back within one at 19-18, then again at 22-21, but Fordham survived the Rider comeback effort to force a deciding fifth set.
 
Rider jumped out to a 5-1 led in the decisive set, getting a pair of early kills from DeCaro. Leading 12-8, the Rams score three-straight to pull within one, and again at 13-12, but a kill by DeCaro and an ace from Kelly secured the win for the Broncs.
 
 
QUOTES & NOTES
"Tough five set match with a lot of ups and downs. I thought our fight and energy was great throughout, even after an uncharacteristic second set. Makenna and Katie did a great job with the offense, and Rylah stepped up when we really needed it. It was good to see some of the youth out there with Annabell and CC, who contributed big on the block. Simone was ridiculous tonight, and set the tone defensively. All in all, a good one to get, and we'll clean up the serve pass phase." – Head Coach Jeff Rotondo
 
- Rider extends its lead in the all-time series to 10-8, snapping a three-match Fordham winning streak between the programs.
- Makenna Mason (Hilton Head Island, SC/Hilton Head) had a team-high 24 assists for her first match this season and 78^th match in her career with double digits. She added 11 digs for her first double-double of the season and 15^th of her career.
- Katie Cook (Stanley, NC/East Lincoln [Robert Morris]) added 11 assists to reach double figures for the first time this season and second time in her career.
- Kelly led Rider with a career-high 13 kills, reaching double figures for the first time in 2026 and fourth time in her career.
- Simone Langford (Hollywood, FL/Flanagan) led Rider with 12 digs, securing double figures for the first time this season and 13^th time in her career.

BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- The Broncs hit .122 in the match, while the Rams hit .147 as a team.
- Fordham had 52 kills to 45 for Rider. In addition to Kelly's 13, Robinson added nine and DeCaro had eight.
- The Rams had 63 digs to 50 for the Broncs.
- Rider held an edge of 14-9 in blocks, and Fordham had a 7-5 advantage in aces.
 
UP NEXT
- The Broncs return to action Sunday at noon to face the host Owls of Temple.