Page County celebrates 1986 state champion volleyball team
By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, Oct. 13 — The Luray Bulldogs’ volleyball team completed a season sweep of rival Page County on Tuesday night at PCHS. Despite the loss, the Panthers honored members of the 1986 Group A state champion volleyball team during pre-match ceremonies.
On March 1, 1986, the Page County Panthers defeated Rockbridge County — 15-4, 15-13 — for the Group A state title. In addition to winning the district and region championships that season, the Panthers set “the foundation for one of the most successful eras of Panther Volleyball,” according to pre-match remarks. Page went on to win three more state titles in 1989, 1990 and 1991 — totaling four state championships in just six years.
Members of then-Coach Alan Knight’s 1986 squad were recognized, including Angela Shifflett Williams, April Hensley Cubbage, Carol Jones Fulk, Donna Sellers Wolf, Jodi Short Sattva, Karla Stallard Morris, Kim Williams Henry, Lori Grimsley Caton, Michelle Lackovitch Garber, Dana Housden Roach and Patty Breeden Ross.
Donna Sellers Wolf still holds the VHSL state record for aces in a season with 217, which also ranks seventh nationally in the NFHS record book, according to Tuesday night’s presentation.
The Panthers have endured a tough season in 2026, with their only win coming back on Sept. 8 against Stonewall Jackson. However, rivalries always bring out the best in competitors, and Page County gave Luray a fight in each of three sets on Tuesday night.
The Panthers jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the opening set, only to see Luray go on a 12-2 run. The set was tied at 7-7, but the Bulldogs grew and maintained their lead en route to a 25-20 win. The second set was knotted up seven times, including at 19-19. The difference was never more than three points until Luray’s final 6-1 run at the end. The Bulldogs also took the second set 25-20. The third set was close as well, tied up four times, and never more than five or six points difference, but Luray closed out the set 25-19.
The 3-0 win moves Luray to 9-8 on the season. The Bulldogs also swept the Panthers, 3-0, at home back on Sept. 17. Four juniors lead Luray to the district win on Tuesday — Zoe Vaughn recorded seven kills and three aces, Lakin Vile had six kills and two aces, Caroline Donovan posted five kills and a block, and Emily Benson had four kills and two aces.
The Panthers were lead by senior Adison Caton, who posted six kills, two blocks and an ace. Freshman Avery Hilliard also had a solid match with four kills and a block.
Both teams have three matches left in the regular season. On Thursday, Oct. 15, Luray (9-8) will host Rappahannock (6-10), while Page County (1-15) will travel to undefeated Madison County (17-0). The Mountaineers have only lost six sets this season.
In the final week, Luray will travel to Stonewall Jackson next Tuesday before hosting Clarke in the regular season finale on Thursday, Oct. 22. Page County will tarvel to Strasburg on Tuesday and host Rapp on Thursday.
For more information on Luray High School Athletics,
For the Page County Panthers’ full 2026 schedule,
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