Luray handles Buffalo Gap in three sets, now hosts state quarterfinal Nov. 15
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Nov. 8 — The Luray volleyball team swept through the Region 1B tournament this week, winning nine straight sets, including a 3-0 victory over fifth-seeded Buffalo Gap to claim the region championship on Saturday night.
Senior Reese Fitton once again lead the way for Luray with 13 kills, two aces and one block. As one of the top players in the region, Fitton finished the three-match region tournament with a total of 31 kills, five aces and two blocks. The senior is sure to be named first team All-Region when the selections are announced in the coming days, and should be among the names voted on for Player of the Year.
The Bulldogs also received strong performances from sophomores Lakin Vile, who had nine kills in the title match, and Caroline Donovan, who posted seven kills and three aces. Sophomore Emily Benson added five kills and a block, while sophomore Zoe Vaughn served up five aces. Vile finished the tournament with 27 kills and four aces. Donovan tallied 24 kills, nine aces and a block. Benson finished with 14 kills and three blocks.
The Bulldogs dominated most of the championship match. Luray ran away with a 17-7 lead in the opening set to win 25-13. The second set proved the most competitive, featuring five ties and multiple lead changes. The second frame never produced more than three-point difference for most of the period. However, when the score reached 17-17, the Bulldogs rattled off an 8-0 run to win the set 25-17. The third and final set mirrored the first, as Luray built up an 18-5 lead that was never in question. The home team won the final frame 25-13 and claimed the region title, 3-0.
The Bison got its best performance from sophomore Bailey Tribble, who posted 10 kills and one assist. Six of those kills came late in the third set. Freshmen Rachel Baber and Lindsay Lyle both recorded three kills, while senior Sadie Shifflett had two.
Buffalo Gap falls to 6-17 on the season after working its way to the championship game from the No. 5 spot in the Region 1B tournament. The Bison will travel to the Region A champion for a state quarterfinal on Nov. 15.
Luray moves to 12-12 on the season and will host the Region A runner-up in the quarterfinal round of the 2025 VHSL Class 1 state volleyball tournament on Saturday, Nov. 15.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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