Watch: Greely volleyball is Varsity Maine Girls Team of the Week
Greely’s girls volleyball team, the Rangers, are poised to break a ten‑year drought as they head into the Class B semifinals as the No. 1 seed. Since the sport was officially recognized in Maine in 1997, the program has amassed nine state titles, yet the last time the Rangers reached the championship match was in 2016. This season, a renewed focus and a string of strong performances have put them back in contention.
The Rangers (14‑1) capped a 13‑match winning streak with a 3‑2 victory over York on Monday, then advanced to the semifinals by sweeping Hampden Academy in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Their only loss came early in the year to Cheverus, the top‑ranked team in the state poll, and since that setback they have dropped only six sets in 14 contests. The squad has toppled three other top‑ten opponents—defending champion Washington Academy, No. 8 Gardiner and No. 7 York—demonstrating depth and consistency.
At the heart of the surge is senior outside hitter Annabelle Talley, a two‑time All‑State honoree. “There’s definitely a little bit of pressure that comes with that, but it’s also just really exciting that now it’s been a decade and that our program is able to make a difference and get to this point,” she said. “It will be really exciting if we can get to that stage again.”
Coach Autumn Vargo echoed the optimism, noting how quickly the group clicked early in the season. “They started out fast; they just gelled together so quickly that we haven’t had to focus on that,” she explained. “They just work so well together as a team that it’s just been a fun season — a fun year to coach.”
Supporting Talley are senior setters Avery Enos and Alena Tierney, who have coordinated the offense, while sophomore Ellie Desorbo and freshman Lilah Rosenfeld have provided versatility in the back row as liberos and defensive specialists. Their combined contributions have helped the Rangers maintain a high‑tempo attack and a resilient defense.
The upcoming semifinal against Messalonskee will test the Rangers’ momentum. As the top seed, Greely enters the match with the confidence of a 13‑game streak and a reputation for performing against elite competition. The team’s recent accolades have also earned them the designation of Varsity Maine Girls Team of the Week, a recognition that highlights their achievements and the excitement surrounding their playoff run.
With a blend of seasoned leaders, emerging talent, and a coaching staff that emphasizes unity, the Rangers are poised to translate their regular‑season success into a deeper postseason run. If they can overcome Messalonskee, the next step would be the state final—an outcome that would mark the end of a decade‑long wait and cement the Rangers’ place among Maine’s volleyball elite.
