Page County still searching for first win
By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, Sept. 5 — The Panthers of Page County suffered a second loss to the Eagles of East Rockingham on Thursday night as the early season, non-district schedule begins to wrap up. Page will host Waynesboro on Monday at 7:30 p.m. before beginning play in the Bull Run District on Tuesday by hosting the Generals of Stonewall Jackson at 7:15 p.m.
On Thursday night, Class 3 East Rock overpowered the Panthers on their home court, winning in three straight sets — 25-17, 25-10, 25-10. Eagles’ senior Alliyah McNair dominated at the net, recording double-digit kills during the match. The senior also served up several aces. In the third and final set, McNair at one point accounted for six straight points with back-to-back kills, followed by four consecutive aces.
Page head coach Kaitlyn Kibler has her work cut out for her for this season, with only one senior — Emma Babb — and three freshman among a 10-player roster. The Panthers volleyball team graduated nine seniors last year, with only Babb, junior Addyson Wyant and sophomore Adi Caton returning to this year’s squad. The team features four sophomores and three freshman from last year’s junior varsity squad. Kibler takes over the program after serving as assistant coach under Ashley Henry last season.
The Panthers dropped their home and season opener on Aug. 26 to Rocktown, 0-3, before hitting a three-game road stretch that also failed to produce a victory — East Rock, 1-3, on Aug. 27; Waynesboro, 0-3, on Aug. 29; and Rocktown, 1-3, on Sept. 3. Kibler hopes the higher level of competition will prepare the Panthers for district play.
Next up, Page County (0-5) will host Waynesboro at 7:30 p.m. on Monday before opening district play Tuesday by hosting Stonewall at 7:15 p.m.
East Rock (7-2) suffered their only two losses in a one-day tournament in which they played five, three-set matches on Aug. 31. The losses came to Fluvanna and Western Albemarle. Next up, the Eagles open Valley District play by hosting Harrisonburg on Tuesday.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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