The Pine Bush Bushmen have long had a stranglehold on the Section 9 championship in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s largest class.

The Bushmen claimed their sectional championship and ran all the way to the state semifinals before they ran into Section 5 champion Fairport, who eventually went on to win the tournament.

The Bushmen lost a lot from that team, including setter Anabella Almedia, middle hitter Ellie Hopper, Monica Ilioiu and Madeline Magsamen. They will return Email Cruz, Alyssa Magsamen, Autumn Gove, Lilian Deckaj and Sophia Manuz.

Nya Blakes and Madison Woodruff will join the team that coach Melyssa Amelio hopes will connect as the season goes on.

The Bushmen will open their season on Wednesday against the neighboring Valley Central Vikings. They’ll open their Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association Division I schedule on Sept. 13 when they host the Newburgh Free Academy Goldbacks.

“I’m looking forward to watch this team mature as players and young women,” Amelio said.

Wallkill
The Wallkill Panthers got over the hump last year, winning the Section 9 Class A championship with a 3-0 win over the New Paltz Huguenots.

They lost their first game in the NYSPHSAA tournament, and will enter this season having lost Daniella Aluisio, Maya Allessandro, Ashlyn Thomas, Kaylee DeGroat, Genevieve Pollock, Araceli Ospina, Olivia Yankanin, and Maddy Stauss.

That’s a lot to lose at once, but the Panthers will return outside hitters Ava O’Flaherty and Gianna Allessandro, setter Kimberly Merrill and defensive specialist Sophia Crinieri.

New to the team are defensive specialists Abigail Avila and Hailey DeGroat, and middle hitters Emma LaRocco and Ella Parker.

“Our goal is to get better every day to work toward the Mid Hudson Athletic League playoffs and sectionals,” Wallkill coach Julie Michella said.

Valley Central
The Valley Central Vikings will be looking to return to the Section 9 Class AA playoffs after missing out a year ago.

They will also have a new coach as Valley Central alum Madison Van Pelt will take over from Paige Matuszewski, although the latter is assisting.

The Vikings have lost senior Grace Severson, but return sophomore libero Jadrianne Rodriguez, senior outside hitter Alexa Malara and middle hitter Sarah Samuelson.

“This season’s goal is to showcase the talent of Valley Central,” Van Pelt said. “We have amazing returning players as well as a young crew ready to rise to the occasion. We hope to make the sectional tournament this year and be an underdog threat.”

Some of the young crew includes freshman outside hitter Alena Singleton, freshman setter Ella Frisbee and junior defensive specialist Mackenzie Rodriguez.

“Last year, did not wend the way we intended and wanted but we are excited to make a comeback,” Van Pelt said. “With a great mix of players from freshmen to seniors, this team is dynamic, determined, and focused. I’m looking forward to seeing these returning experienced players shine with confidence and to lead this younger crew to a hopeful and successful season.”

Chapel Field
The Chapel Field volleyball team is entering its second season after posting a 1-9 record in its inaugural season.

Coach Jill Griffin said they have some strong players on the team and she’s expecting a great season of growth.

“I am excited to see the girls grow and improve throughout the season,” Griffin said.