LHS Volleyball ends season at 11-12 with lots of upside for future
By Randy Arrington
WOODSTOCK, Nov. 4 — The sixth-seeded Bulldogs of Luray fell for the third time this season to the No. 3 Falcons of Central during the quarterfinal round of the Region 2B volleyball tournament on Monday night in Woodstock.
Central junior Hadley Witherow dominated the match at the net, recording a total of 15 kills and two aces on the night, including seven kills in both the opening and closing sets. The Falcons swept the ‘Dawgs in three straight sets on Monday, as they did when the hosted Luray at Jerry Walters Court on Oct. 15. However, the Bulldogs won a set in their 1-3 loss to the Falcons at home on Sept. 19.
During the regional quarterfinal, Central rolled through the first two sets. The Falcons opened up with a 10-2 lead that increased to 18-4, en route to a 25-11 win in the first set. The second frame was similar, with an early 12-2 Central lead fueling a 25-9 win.
However, feeling their last set of the season at hand… the Bulldogs pulled together for one last push, staying within three points of the Falcons most of the way. The final set was tied six times on its way to 11-11. Luray lead twice and never trailed by more than three until it reached 17-13. The Falcons would then outscore the visitors 8-3 down the final stretch and claim the last set, 25-17.
Luray finishes the season at 11-12, after advancing to the semifinal round of the Bull Run District tournament last week and placing junior Reese Fitton on the All-District first team. During Monday’s region quarterfinal, Fitton recorded a team-high five kills, while standout freshman Caroline Donovan had four kills and an ace. Senior Katelyn Taglauer added three kills, while senior Caydence Cave had two aces.
Next season, Luray loses both Cave, a second team All-District selection, and Taglauer to graduation. Despite losing the talents and impact of both players — Cave being the “center” of the offense as a great setter, and “Tag” playing great at the net with a powerful spike — the Bulldogs will be competitive in the Bull Run next season.
Donovan leads a trio of freshman, including Sierra Forder and Emily Benson, that have contributed heavily at the net this season and should all be impact players next fall. With the return of Fitton and sophomore Chloe Gochenour, the Bulldogs will have a roster with some experience, while also adding top talent from the junior varsity squad like Maeve Dudly. After playing a big part of winning a second-straight JV district championship on Thursday, the freshman was pulled up to varsity on Monday and recorded a kill in her first set in the region quarterfinal.
After Monday’s win, No. 3 Central (16-5) will head to Berryville once again to face the No. 2 Eagles of Clarke (21-3) for the fourth time this season in a Region 2B semifinal. The winner gets a trip to the region championship and an automatic bid to the Class 2 state tournament. The Falcons finished second to Clarke in the Bull Run District tournament and the regular season.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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