Stories

Sweep to States: Western volleyball makes short work of Halifax to earn state tourney berth

Photo by Kristi Ellis

Western Albemarle volleyball has come a long way in the last 12 months. With most of the Warriors lineup back after a spring season that didn’t exactly go to plan, improvement was expected. 

 

But the Warriors have been blowing those expectations out of the water. 

 

“This has just been an amazing ride,” said Western coach Julie Radlinksi. 

 

The ride that already includes an unbeaten run through the Jefferson District regular season continued with a 3-0 sweep of Halifax in the Class 4D region semifinals, cementing a state tournament berth for Western for the first time since 2010. 

 

Western will face Blacksburg in the Region 4D championship Tuesday at home.  

 

“These girls are so determined and going to a region championship game with an opportunity to play in states is something we’ve been working toward since August,” Radlinski said.

 

The Warriors got there with  a relatively comfortable sweep of the Comets, winning 25-15, 25-11 and 25-17 with a balanced offense leading the way. Brooke Chavez noticed 11 kills and two blocks while Emma Shifflett had seven kills and three digs. Natalie Rocco had eight kills and Ellie Botnott finished with 25 assists and six digs. Amelia Tomlinson had six digs on the night. 

 

The Warriors have made incredible strides to reach this point and they’re managing not to play down to their competition since the region playoffs began, sweeping Jefferson Forest and then Halifax this week.

 

“Not only are they just a close-knit group which makes practices and matches fun, but they have just improved together and challenged each other day-in and day-out in practice,” Radlinski said. “I think that makes us play really well as a team when it comes to these big matches.”

 

They’re certainly delivering, and now they’ve put themselves into position to contend for a state title.

 

Correspondent Emmy Franklin contributed to this report.

Comments

comments