Bulldogs close season at 12-13 with bright outlook for next two seasons
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Nov. 15 — The Luray volleyball team put up a good fight and took the Red Devils to four sets before falling to Lancaster, 3-1, in the quarterfinal round of the VHSL Class 1 state volleyball tournament on Saturday. The Region A runner-up will now advance to face the Region A champion in the state semifinals on Tuesday, after Middlesex defeated Buffalo Gap, 3-0.
Just as Region A dominated one half of the state tournament bracket, Region C dominated the other half in the quarterfinal round. Region C champion Giles defeated Region D runner-up Patrick Henry, 3-0; while Region C runner-up Auburn upset Region D champion Chillhowie, 3-0. Giles will host Auburn in the other state semifinal. Tuesday’s winners will meet next Saturday at the Salem Civic Center for the Class 1 state championship.
After starting the season 0-6, Luray would go on to win 12 of their last 19 matches, including a clean nine-set sweep through the Region 1B tournament last week. PVN is still awaiting the release of all-region selections, which should include many names from the region champion Bulldogs.
The competition stiffened in the state tournament and Luray looked as if their season would end quickly on Saturday. The Red Devils came out blasting behind the powerful hitting of sophomore Alexis Vermeer, who recorded 23 kills, three aces and three blocks in the state quarterfinal. Lancaster jumped out to 17-5 lead en route to a 25-13 victory in the opening set. In the next frame, the visitors jumped out to a 15-5 lead. Despite Luray working their way to within four points of the Devils, they dropped the second set 25-20.
Then the Bulldogs showed some “grit.” The third set would be tied nine times, feature several lead changes, and never show a separation of more than three points. Luray held a narrow lead most of the way. Then after being tied at 20, 21 and 22, the Bulldogs were able to score the last three points for a 25-22 win.
Luray lead the majority of the fourth set. The home team pulled ahead by five at 14-9, but Lancaster stayed within striking distance. Luray lead by three at 19-16, but the visitors knotted things up at 19-19 and ended up outscoring the Bulldogs 9-2 down the stretch en route to a 25-21 win. Although Luray came close to forcing a fifth set, the Red Devils would claim the match, 3-1.
During Saturday’s state quarterfinal, Luray was lead by sophomore Lakin Vile, who recorded 10 kills and an ace. Sophomore Emily Benson had a strong match with seven kills and two blocks. Senior Reese Fitton added six kills, thee aces and two blocks; while sophomore Caroline Donovan had five kills, an ace and a block.
In addition to Vermeer’s dominating performance, Lancaster got six kills from sophomore Kelsey Bishoff and four kills from sophomore Kelsie Cox. Much like Luray, Lancaster has a young team that features eight sophomores. Two juniors and a freshman round out the roster. So, these two teams — and many of the same players — could see each other again in future postseasons.
While the Red Devils have no seniors, Luray will be losing the power hitting of Fitton and the strong support role of senior Emma Price. The Bulldogs bring back eight sophomores two juniors and two freshmen.
After starting 0-6, Luray ends the season at 12-13. With a youthful, yet experienced roster, the Bulldogs hold a bright outlook for the next two seasons.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
To check the 2025 VHSL Class 1 state volleyball tournament bracket,
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