In a rescheduled game from earlier in the season, the Western Albemarle volleyball team travelled to Fluvanna looking to finish off an undefeated District season and District title race. At the end of the night, it was all smiles for the Warriors, who were celebrating with the District trophy after a 3-0 sweep of the Flucos.
“This is just an incredibly special group of young ladies and we knew that this was going to be a tough match, coming to Fluvanna to try to finish it off, but I think taking it in three just speaks to their determination and grit in everything they’ve showed all season and I’m just incredibly proud of them,” said Western coach Julie Radlinski.
In the first set, with both teams exchanging runs, neither team was able to gain ground on the other. However, a late push from the Warriors sealed the set, with multiple late kills set up by Ellie Boitnott to win the set 25-23. Boitnott ended the night with 21 assists.
But the Flucos didn’t back down without a fight. In the second set, they fought to take a 18-22 lead over the Warriors, led by a multitude of players. Faith Shields ended the match with 22 assists, while Sophia Denby had 12 kills and Makayla Gentry and Khania Brassfield each had four kills.
It was at that moment though that the Warriors found another gear, as they rallied to take the second set by a score of 25-23. They were led by multiple key performances, including 14 kills from Brooke Chavez, 10 kills from Sofia Beard, and six kills from Emma Shifflett on the night.
In the third set, the Warriors started to take control. They jumped out to an early 9-4 lead, and stayed in front for the rest of the set. The Flucos fought back with a late rally, but the Warriors held on, taking the third set 25-23, and winning the match to finish off their unbeaten campaign in the Jefferson.
“I’m just so excited for all of our team, we’ve been working so hard in practice and after the year of Covid, it’s just really amazing to be able to come back and win,” said Chavez.
After this, both teams will be preparing for their first region tournament games next week, with the Flucos taking on Spotswood in Region 3C while Western competes in Region 4D for the first time after a move up this fall.
