Luray volleyball drops district matches to Central and Clarke
By Randy Arrington
LURAY — The Luray volleyball team suffered a tough week with two competitive losses at home to two top-ranked Bull Run District opponents — No. 1 Clarke, 3-1, last Tuesday, and No. 2 Central, 3-0, on Thursday. That brings the Bulldogs’ overall season record to 5-9 heading into the final six matches of the regular season. They hope to rebound this week with two matches on the road at Strasburg on Tuesday and Madison County on Thursday.
Luray played a close match with No. 1 Clarke (8-0, 10-4) last Tuesday, with the opening set featuring 14 ties and 14 lead changes. The Bulldogs had a few chances to close out the extended set, but finally fell 28-26. The Eagles took control in the second set after going on an 8-1 run to take a 10-3 lead. The visitors did not relinquish the lead en route to a 25-18 win and a 2-0 advantage. However, Luray bounced back and lead the third set the entire way to a 25-20 win. The fourth and final set was again close, featuring eight ties and eight lead changes, but the Eagles would close out the set with a narrow 26-24 victory to claim the match, 3-1.
Sophomore Lakin Vile lead the way with 11 kills, an ace and a block; while senior Reese Fitton posted eight kills, three blocks and two aces. Sophomore Caroline Donovan recorded five kills, three aces and a block; while classmate Emily Benson had three kills and three blocks.
On Thursday, Luray fell in three straight sets to Central (6-2, 6-8), but the Falcons had to earn every one. The first set featured seven ties and six lead changes. Central’s biggest lead was five at 15-10, but once the set knotted up at 17-17 it was a back-and-forth battle the rest of the way. The Falcons scored the final three points to win 25-22. The second set was tied five times with five lead changes, but the visitors separated themselves down the stretch to win 25-18. The third set saw 10 lead changes and was tied nine times, including at 24-24. Central scored the last two points to win 26-24 and claim a 3-0 district victory.
Fitton lead the way with 10 kills, two aces and two blocks; while Vile posted 10 kills. Benson had seven kills during the match, while Donovan added three kills, and four aces.
After playing two straight matches at home, the Bulldogs hope to reverse their fortunes on the road this week against Strasburg (2-6, 3-11) and Madison (5-3, 8-5). Luray currently sits in a tie for third with the Mountaineers in the Bull Run, while slipping from second to third place in the Region 1B standings behind the Appomattox Regional Governors School and Cumberland County. The Bulldogs are just ahead of Riverheads and Buffalo Gap in the region.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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