Bulldogs sweep Rams in three sets

First Bull Run win for Luray (1-1, 3-4)

By Randy Arrington

LURAY, Sept. 12 — Through seven matches this season, the Strasburg Rams have yet to win a single set (0-for-21). However, the Luray Bulldogs had to fight for every point on Thursday night to keep that streak alive. Luray took three-straight sets by two points — 26-24, 25-23, 26-24 — to claim its first Bull Run District win, 3-0.

In the first set, there was never more than a five-point margin, and it featured eight ties. At one point, Luray went up 14-9 before the Rams tied it at 15 and then went point-for-point with the Bulldogs the rest of the way. Strasburg was only one point away from its first set win at 24-22, but the home team scored the next four points for a 26-24 victory.

LHS senior Katelyn “Tag” Taglauer lead the Bulldogs through the first set, scoring with both kills and aces. Strasburg received several strong spikes from junior Jayden Stinnette. The two standout players would battle at the net all night.

The Rams took control early in the second set, leading 9-5, before Luray tied things up at 9-9. The Bulldogs then took the momentum and rode it the rest of the way. However, Luray never lead by more than three and Strasburg forced the issues at 24-23. The Bulldogs took a 2-0 advantage in the match after the 25-23 win. LHS senior Caydence Cave stepped up in the second set recording both kills and aces.

Luray jumped out to substantial leads in the third set at 8-3, and then 22-13. Yet, once again the Rams made it interesting by going on an 11-2 run in the final stretch to tie the third set at 24-24. The Bulldogs got a big kill from freshman Caroline Donovan and a mistake by the Rams gave them a 26-24 win to claim the match, 3-0.

Taglauer finished the match with six kills, three aces and a block. Cave had four kills and three aces. Junior Reese Fitton came on strong in the final stretch of the third set with some powerful spikes. The third-year player finished with five kills and two aces.

For Strasburg, Stinnette lead the way with seven kills and one block.

Up next, Luray (1-1, 3-4) hosts Stuart Draft on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m., before traveling to Madison on Tuesday, Sept. 17 for a 7:15 p.m. district match.

Strasburg (0-2, 0-7) will host Sherando on Monday at 7:15 p.m., before hosting Stonewall Jackson on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.

For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.

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