Girls Region 3D Volleyball Semifinal coverage and Finals Preview
The VHSL Playoffs kicked off Monday for Regionals for teams in the commonwealth. Dozens of team continue on their quest to capture the ever elusive state title. Some are consistent contenders and champions, many are upstarts trying to break through…
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Continue ReadingThe VHSL Playoffs kicked off Monday for Regionals for teams in the commonwealth. Dozens of team continue on their quest to capture the ever elusive state title. Some are consistent contenders and champions, many are upstarts trying to break through into the realm of the perennial elite programs. This year’s regional and state tournaments are different with only the regional champion advancing to the state championship round. This time of the year is one and done and with teams having the additional hurdle of Covid and quarantines, it’s a crazy year to battle through to make it to the state championship. Class 3 has some great teams and players to watch for the 2020-21 season.
In the final bracket of regions, Abingdon is the top seeded program after a first round bye and taking down Basset High. Lord Boutetout had been a dynasty the past three years including three consecutive state championships and a 56 match win streak. This has been an unusual season for Lord Boutetout who has been the team to beat over the last four years. The semifinals was anticipated to be a great match up between a solid Abingdon squad and a perennial contender. Abingdon made it their night with a 3 set sweep of the reigning champions with scores of 25-17, 25-14 and 25-16. The Falcons were led by dominant performances by Setter Abby Boyd’s double-double (27 assists, 17 digs, five aces) and Senior Morgan Blevins (17 kills, 10 digs, three blocks), and Lacie Bertke (19 digs), Alexis Brown chipped in seven kills, Caroline McLaughlin seven kills and three blocks, and Taylor Statzer added three blocks and three aces. Lord Boutetout fought hard but their season came too an end with a loss for the first time in four season. Anna Dewease (21 digs), Parker Hudson (six kills, five digs), Senior Opposite Annelise Wolfe (five kills, six digs) and Sydney Whorley(18 assists).
In the other half of the bracket, Hidden Valley hosted Northside in the other semifinal. Hidden Valley also had a first round by and took care of Magna Vista in the quarterfinals. Northside took out Tunstall in an upset as the 6 seed topped the #3 seeded Tunstall squad. Tunstall dominated the Piedmont district this season but could not handle a strong Northside team. Hidden Valley is loaded with college level talent, led by Junior Outside Hitter Cam Davenport Cam Davenport 5'11" | OH Hidden Valley | 2022 State VA who leads the team with 171 kills and a .407 hitting percentage. She is among the state leaders in hitting and hitting percentage. Senior Captain Maddie Clouser is having a great senior season before continuing her career with Stevenson University in the Fall. Junior Faith Mitchell is a great dual threat as a setter and attacker for the Titans. The team is one of the most balanced in the region with great defense, solid attacking and serving and great depth. Five players have over 100 digs on the season and four players averaging over 1.8 kills per set.
With the win, Hidden Valley improves to a 12-2 record. The Abingdon Falcons will host Hidden Valley for the regional championship on Thursday at 7 p.m.