Ithaca’s Grange breaks multiple Alfred records

Earlier this month, Ithaca High alum Casey Grange had an unforgettable performance for the Alfred volleyball team. On Oct. 5, Grange set the program record for the most kills and points in a five-set match, as the Saxons defeated Elmira College 3-2 after dropping the first two sets.

Reflecting on that memorable night, Grange praised those on the court and in the stands for coming away with the Saxons’ first Empire 8 win of the season.

“Our defense was on, our servers were on, and our setter, Darian [Ortiz], was on,” Grange said. “Everyone was just really feeling it. We started off a little bit slow, but our coaches and teammates were able to help get ourselves going, and it just started to become a really cool match. Our fans came out and helped us gain energy, and I think a big turning point was the energy brought onto the court.”

The win served as a high point in what’s been a tough season for the Saxons, currently holding a 5-11 record. But what the numbers don’t show is the sheer amount of challenges the team has had to face so far.

“We’re dealing with a lot of adversity through having a smaller team, having injuries and sickness,” Grange said. “I think that our culture is just really a great family. We’re facing a lot of struggles, but there’s no one else we would rather do this with. I think that we’re overcoming a lot, and I just think that this is the beginning of something really, really cool that Alfred University volleyball is going to do.”

Grange is used to adversity from her time with Little Red volleyball. Not only did injuries affect her team, but she also played with different personnel between her club and high school squads.

“Being able to go from playing with different girls at club volleyball to coming back and playing at Ithaca High School with different girls just helped me see a lot of different ways of plays, having a lot of different coaches over the time, a lot of different ways of being coached and a lot of different ways of running plays and skills,” Grange said. “That’s just really helped me be able to adapt to a lot of different situations on the court.”

Another adjustment that Grange has had to make this season is her position on the court. She started out as a middle blocker but switched to an outside hitter, helping her rack up more kills.

“It’s definitely a little bit different because I’m used to running quick middle balls,” Grange said. “On the outside, the tempo is a little bit slower. But we’ve also worked on speeding that up as well, which has been really cool, and I’ve been really enjoying it. It’s been fun.”

Although Grange is a junior, this is actually her first season with the Saxons after spending two years at Niagara. Her decision to transfer to Alfred didn’t have to do entirely with volleyball. In fact, it involved a different sport altogether.

“Back in high school, I was deciding between Alfred and Niagara,” Grange said. “[Alfred] just felt like a home to me, and they have an equestrian program here, so I’m on the equestrian team, as well. I grew up riding before I even played volleyball. I grew up competing with horseback riding, so having the equestrian team as an option to me was just very exciting, too. It kind of sold the deal to be able to do both. It’s also more out in the middle of nowhere, and I grew up out in the country, so it just feels like home here.”

Grange continued.

“Both of my equestrian coaches plus my volleyball coach have been incredibly helpful,” she said. “They’re just very good about communication. If something overlaps, then volleyball would take priority because that was what I came here originally to do. Everyone’s just been super helpful and great at helping me manage everything.”

The volleyball genes run strong in Grange’s family, as her sister Cameron is a senior on the Little Red. Casey is more than excited to watch Cameron follow in her footsteps.

“It’s been so cool,” Grange said. “I love watching her grow as an amazing player. After practice, I get right on the computer and watch her games. I know all the girls on the team there, and it’s just so amazing to watch them take this program and take it really far. They’re doing amazing this year.”

Grange concluded, “When I was a senior, she was a freshman playing up on varsity, and it was so fun. I love my sister and I love getting to share the love of the sport of volleyball with her. It’s just brought so much joy into my life.”

Send questions, comments and story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com.