For six points it was dead even. But after a Katie Rossberg kill, Western Albemarle exploded and never really looked back.
“It’s really important to get into that kind of rhythm and just get things going,” said Western Albemarle’s Riley Martin. “I think that’s what we did tonight.”
Western put together a nine-point run to grab a 12-3 lead in the opening set with Rossberg serving, and in turn rolled 3-0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-22) over Monticello in the Jefferson District clash.
Rossberg finished with 14 kills and four blocks on the night to lead the Warriors in both categories. The Mustangs couldn’t seem to answer Rossberg’s power and savvy at the net.
“She’s really gotten to mix up her sets and get to hit a lot of different stuff,” said Western coach Jena McFaddin. “I think it’s really working because it gets her all around the court and nobody is able to block her all in one spot.”
Rossberg had some help up front with Laura Bergin also getting into double digit kills with 10. Bergin came on particularly strong in the third and final game. She also finished with six digs. As usual, libero Marin Crowder led the Warriors in digs with eight on the night, but soccer standout Marina Clark also played solid defense with six digs.
Riley Martin, the Warriors’ four-year starter at setter, put together 32 assists in the victory. Western’s lone freshman, hitter Keller Whitlock, came up with four kills, capitalizing on all four of her chances.
Monticello struggled to find a rhythm on offense throughout, finally getting its footing in the third set.
“We were playing at about 200 miles an hour but it was like an American driving on the Autobahn — just no control,” said Monticello coach John Mitchem. “It took almost two sets just to be able to settle down. But once we were able to settle down and get into system defensively, we were able to hang.”
Brittany Scott led Monticello with six kills. Mariah Williams had nine digs and 11 assists for the Mustangs at setter.
McFaddin, who played her college volleyball at James Madison, actually played under Mitchem who was an assistant coach for the Dukes.
The Warriors host a tournament this weekend that includes Loudoun County, Grafton and Cave Spring before Western clashes on the road for the first time with JD newcomer Powhatan. The Mustangs will tackle Covenant Monday at 7 p.m.
