Luray freshman records seven kills and eight aces
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Sept. 26 — The Luray Bulldogs evened up their Bull Run District record at 3-3 after sweeping the visiting Panthers of Page County in three sets on Thursday night. The Panthers entered the district rivalry match off their first win of the season, 3-0, on the road over Strasburg on Tuesday. However, the Bulldogs dominated the match, as they continue to improve as a team and develop young players.
Luray freshman Caroline Donovan recorded the best performance of the night for either team, as she chalked up seven kills and served eight aces. Despite carrying four freshmen on a 10-player roster, Luray’s freshmen are adapting fast to varsity play after coming off a successful junior varsity campaign last season. Freshman Sierra Forder recorded five kills and three aces against the Panthers on Thursday. Freshman Lakin Vile serves as the team’s libero, and freshman Emily Benson, the team’s tallest player, has impacted several matches at the net.
Combine this talented group of freshman with the experience of All-Region selection, senior Caydence Cave (one of the best setters in the region), the athleticism of senior Katelyn Taglauer and the power strikes of junior Reese Fitton… and the Bulldogs could contend with the region’s top teams — if they continue to improve on-court communication and teamwork as they have in the first half of the season.
On Thursday night at Luray, Page County was lead by junior Addyson Wyant and sophomore Ava Marshall, who both recorded three kills in the rivalry game. Wyant also recorded an ace. Kills were also recorded by sophomore Adi Caton and sophomore Lindsay Babb. The Panthers are rebuilding after losing a half dozen seniors to graduation last year and getting a new coach. Page features three freshmen and five sophomores on a 10-player roster. The lone senior is Emma Babb.
In the rivalry match, Luray jumped out to a quick 6-1 lead in the first set. That lead grew to 14-4 and the Bulldogs cruised to a 25-12 win. Fitton had three kills in the set, while Forder had three aces.
The second set was tied up four times until it reached 12-12, when Luray began to pull away and maintain a four- to five-point margin the rest of the way to a 25-18 win. Donovan had three kills and three aces during the set.
The third set was never in doubt as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 12-3 lead and won 25-9. Fitton recorded three more kills and finished the night with seven total, along with two aces. Donovoan recorded three consecutive aces in the third set, along with three kills, just as she did in the second set. Taglauer finished the night with five kills and one ace. Cave had four aces and one kill.
Up next, Luray (3-3, 5-6) will travel to Berryville next Tuesday, Oct. 1 to take on the top-ranked Eagles of Clarke County (5-1, 8-3) at 7:15 p.m. Clarke leads the Bull Run just ahead of Madison (4-1, 9-1) and Central (4-1, 6-2). The Bulldogs currently sit in fourth place.
Page County (1-4, 1-10) will host Madison (4-1, 9-1) next Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7:15 p.m.
The two county rivals will meet again in volleyball at PCHS on Thursday, Oct. 24, in both team’s regular season finale.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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