Luray travels to Rockingham County twice next week
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Aug. 28 — The Luray Bulldogs suffered their second loss in the opening week of the 2025 volleyball season on Thursday night, as the visiting Eagles of East Rockingham swept the home team in three straight sets, 25-10, 25-14, 25-18.
Sophomore Lakin Vile showed great improvement over her freshman campaign, recording four kills in Thursday’s non-district matchup and five kills in the Bulldogs’ Monday night loss to Patrick Henry High School. Senior Reese Fitton, who had an amazing 17 kills and four aces on Monday night, only recorded three kills and one ace versus East Rock. Sophomore Emily Benson had three kills on Thursday after posting seven on Monday, while classmate Caroline Donovan had two aces Thursday and 11 kills on Monday. Sophomore Sierra Forder has taken on a new role as a setter and recorded 42 assists and 12 digs against Patrick Henry on Monday night.
Maya Ramirez continues to lead the Eagles this season. After issuing a handful of kills against Page County on Tuesday night, the junior posted seven kills and an ace against Luray on Thursday. Senior Nora Fox posted five kills and three aces on Thursday, while the tallest player on the team, 6’2″ junior Caroline Eppard had three kills.
East Rock dominated the first two sets, taking a 17-7 lead in the first and a 21-11 lead in the second. However, the third set was by far the most competitive, featuring eight ties and five lead changes. Luray began to find a rhythm late in the second set and really communicated much better in the third. The Bulldogs held the lead through the first half of the final set and then battled point-for-point with East Rock up to an 18-18 tie. The Eagles would then finish off the set and the match with a 7-0 run.
East Rock, a Class 3A school, seemed to have an answer for Fitton’s power shots, as they recorded a number of blocks, while several of Luray’s power hitters had trouble keeping the ball inside the lines. However, with eight sophomores among 11 players, Susan Henry-Wilson’s young squad has room to grow and improve, just as they did over the course of last season heading toward the postseason.
Up next, Luray (0-2) will travel to Rockingham County twice next week after Labor Day, facing Harrisonburg High School at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2 and East Rockingham at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
After hosting the Bulldogs next Wednesday, East Rockingham (3-0) will travel to Page County High School on Thursday, Sept. 4 for the Panthers home opener at 7:15 p.m.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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