The Drew University women's volleyball team will take to the court with high hopes during its fifth season in 2025.
 
Under second-year Head Coach Amanda Rachwal, the Rangers bring back 10 players from last year's squad that helped lead the team to a sixth-place finish in the Landmark Conference and more importantly, its second consecutive appearance in the conference's championship tournament.
 
Though the roster will feature just four seniors, nine of the team's returners gained valuable experience last season and played in at least 19 matches.
 
Offensively, the squad brings back numerous top performers from last season, including junior setter and team MVP Alyssa Rachwal. A two-year starter, she averaged 7.45 assists per set last season while also finishing fourth on the team in digs (2.38 dps) and aces (0.34 aps).
 
Senior outside hitter Emily Shirk also returns after throwing down 1.96 kills per set a year ago to finish second among the Rangers. She was also third on the squad in both digs (2.66 dps) and aces (0.35 aps). One of the team's most experienced players, Shirk has appeared in 73 matches during her career at The Forest.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Lindsey Millis is also back after a freshman campaign in which she finished third on the team in kills (1.63 kps) and fifth in digs (2.28 dps). Seniors middle blockers Inaya Stanford and Marissa Guajardo will also look to make an impact after ending the year fourth and fifth, respectively in kills last season at 1.31 and 1.05, respectively. Guajardo was also second on the team in aces (0.39 aps).
 
Senior Abigail Pereira (1.02 kps), sophomore Camille Schiralli (0.82 kps), and sophomore Skyler Ribitzki (0.39 kps) will provide additional offensive firepower this season.
 
Guajardo and Stanford will also help lead the defensive charge after finishing second and third in blocks last season with marks of 0.45 and 0.40 bps, respectively. Also two of the team's most experienced players, Guajardo has played in 75 matches for her career while Stanford has competed in 63 matches.
 
Sophomore libero Aidyn Stone is also back after posting 1.42 digs per set in 2024. In addition, sophomore middle blocker Melissa Zack returns after appearing seven matches last season.
 
Six newcomers will also look to bolster the Rangers this season in junior Meghan Pullen (middle blocker) and freshmen Lilyan Ahlers (setter), Maddy Baker (defensive specialist), Jasmine Brewer (outside hitter), Cristina Coombs (setter), and Coco Otto (libero).
 
In the Landmark Conference Preseason Poll, the Rangers were picked to finish sixth. The top-six teams in the conference standings qualify for the league's postseason tournament.
 
The Rangers open their season on Saturday, when they travel to Hood University for a tri-match versus Hood and Eastern Mennonite University. Drew opens its home schedule on Sept. 6 with a tri-match featuring Penn State Harrisburg and Franklin & Marshall College, and its Landmark Conference opener is set for Oct. 3 at home versus defending national champion Juniata College.