tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1 2008-09-06T17:51:27Z Movable Type 3.34 tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1099 2008-09-06T17:41:15Z 2008-09-06T17:51:27Z

Madison County scored a touchdown in all four quarters Friday night, cruising to a 28-0 victory over William Monroe. Madison showcased a tough-nosed running game to remain perfect on the young season and to win the bragging rights attached to one of Central Virginia’s...

Staff Report Madison County scored a touchdown in all four quarters Friday night, cruising to a 28-0 victory over William Monroe. Madison showcased a tough-nosed running game to remain perfect on the young season and to win the bragging rights attached to one of Central Virginia’s best rivalries. ]]> William Monroe Greene Dragons. Madison County, which beat Nelson County 28-8 in its season opener, used its running game with authority to win the contest, but at times it isn’t about wins and losses. I think you have to focus on the lessons learned and the fact that you get to grow as a young man. That being said, if I’m William Monroe coach Tom Hoffman, I hit the erase button on the camcorder and start from scratch, working on fundamentals. In my experience playing high school football, if you are penalized as much as William Monroe was, you find yourself running in Monday’s practice until your legs appear primed to fall off. Those practices may seem like they last forever. Give Madison (2-0) credit. The Mountaineers racked up over 200 yards on the ground with Devon Boone leading the way with 22 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Logan Terrell added 110 yards on 17 carries and found the end zone in the third quarter on a 12-yard run. Madison also boasted the utility player of the game: Andre Parker. He played on the defensive line, the kickoff units and was 4-for-4 in extra-point attempts. In high school, as we learned Friday night in Central Virginia, you have to have your kicker prepared to do that. A.J. Butler also made some nice plays for the Mountaineers on the defensive side of the ball. While it was unclear the severity of the injury, Madison quarterback Will Taylor left the field in opening half with an apparent shoulder injury. Dustin Kirby, who replaced Taylor, finished 2-for-10 passing, but connected on a 33-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to give Madison a 14-0 lead. The Greene Dragons, who play at Eastern View on Friday, did show the ability to force turnovers. Jason Nave intercepted a pass in the end zone to end a would-be scoring drive for Madison, and the defense forced 2 fumbles during the rainy contest at Martin Mooney Field in Greene County. Both the defensive and offensive lines showed some ability to get off the ball quickly and that’s something to build on, too. William Monroe’s Troy Legg boomed a 49-yard punt from near the back of his own end zone, and fullback Cameron Childress ran the ball well in the fourth quarter. He finished with five carries for 31 yards. Childress, as he displayed, enjoys contact and he appears primed to get more opportunities as the season rolls on as the Greene Dragons open an odd five-game road trip. Madison, after a bye week, will return to action Sept. 19 at home against Luray. EDITOR'S NOTE: This report was compiled by Kyle Hanni of Charlottesville's ESPN 840 AM. Hanni hosts "Eye on College Football" on Thursday's from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN 840 AM. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1098 2008-09-06T16:39:50Z 2008-09-06T16:40:38Z

Staff Report ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1097 2008-09-06T16:32:11Z 2008-09-06T16:50:30Z

Several of Monticello’s players screamed with excitement as they trickled off a soggy field at Albemarle High on Friday night. The jubilant reaction was obvious based on the result: Monticello 19, Albemarle 12. The response also spoke volumes for just how closely contested the game...

Staff Report Several of Monticello’s players screamed with excitement as they trickled off a soggy field at Albemarle High on Friday night. The jubilant reaction was obvious based on the result: Monticello 19, Albemarle 12. The response also spoke volumes for just how closely contested the game was until the final minutes. Albemarle senior Zach Vrhovac opened the game’s scoring as he collected a reverse and sliced into the end zone on a 9-yard run. As was par for the course, the extra-point attempt missed. Monticello answered – Mustangs’ quarterback Mike Graham, blessed with time to look down field, connected with Khiry Washington on a 35-yard touchdown reception. Washington ensured the 34-yard PAT would fail after he flipped into the end zone in celebration as he approached the right pylon. AHS took the lead again in the third quarter. Once again, Vrhovac found the end zone. This time, however, the wideout took a pass from Jeremy Robinson and willed his way past defenders and into the end zone. The Patriots were unable to add to their lead as the extra-point attempt was blocked by a Mustang defender who easily crashed through the middle of the protection. Monticello mounted another rally. With 2:50 left in the third quarter, Graham forced his way into the left-corner of the end zone on a quarterback keeper. The game remained tied after the extra-point attempt rocketed off the kicking tee in the direction of an official underneath the right uprights. As the rain continued to strengthen, footing became an obvious problem for both teams. But the Mustangs’ offense would not be denied their game-winning drive. After rolling to his right, Graham fired a strike with 9:56 left in the game to wideout Jake Pelton for a 6-yard TD pass. Pelton, a senior, managed to sneak both of his feet down just inside the right-corner of the end zone long enough to register the highly-contested score. AHS managed to move the ball into Western territory in the game’s waning minutes, but a late interception hauled in by Pelton secured the Mustangs win. For Monticello, Graham finished 8-of-18 passing for 182 yards. Despite obvious issues in the exchange with the signal-caller and his center, Graham also added 29 yards on the ground rushing. Before leaving with an apparent ankle injury, Monticello tailback Hines Banks rushed three times for 16 yards, and Roosevelt Thomas added 40 yards on seven carries. Pelton, a vocal leader on the team, led Monticello’s receiving corps, hauling in four passes for 113 yards. “We worked hard all summer and [this win is] a tribute to everyone on this team,” Pelton said. “You couldn’t script it any better. We are going to take this momentum into the whole season and, hopefully, we make it back to [the state championship game at] Liberty. “It’s a great rivalry and we are friends with these guys, but on the field it is really competitive. After the game we just shake hands.” Albemarle hopes to shake hands following Friday night’s contest at Western Albemarle with a different feeling. For now, the Patriots are forced to look for silver linings from the seven-point loss. The Patriots did pass for 139 yards as Robinson connected with six different players. Vrhovac paced the team with 60 yards receiving on four receptions, and junior Jordan Hill finished with a game-best five catches, which accounted for 57 yards. "I thought we played pretty well," AHS coach Rick Vrhovac said. "I told the kids, 'It's a battle.' There's a winner and loser in every battle, and we lost this battle but there were a lot of positives that come out of this battle. "There are nine more games and we have Western Albemarle on Friday night. That's the only thing that we can be worried about." ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1095 2008-09-06T07:57:56Z 2008-09-06T16:24:46Z

Fluvanna County Head Coach Joel Gray and members of his stellar staff dealt with adversity last season, watching their team deteriorate week after week. Players were dismissed, a bout with food poisoning was troubling and arguing amongst teammates was a common occurrence for the...

Staff Report Fluvanna County Head Coach Joel Gray and members of his stellar staff dealt with adversity last season, watching their team deteriorate week after week. Players were dismissed, a bout with food poisoning was troubling and arguing amongst teammates was a common occurrence for the Flucos’ football team a season ago. Photo: Fluvanna Sports Photography]]> Fluvanna County is not looking to go undefeated or win a state championship – it is simply looking to compete in every game, have fun and play as a family. “This season, all of the kids like each other and get along,” Gray said. “When our group plays together and play for each other, they are truly a talented football team.” The Fluco “family” certainly played together in their season opener on August 29th at home against Prince Edward. Fluvanna showcased its talent in all facets of the game. The defense, led by assistant coach Marcus Carter, held Prince Edward to a mere six points until the Eagles scored on a late touchdown reception that miraculously found the hands of a well-covered receiver. The defense also recorded three interceptions on the night. The special teams units also shined as senior Jamal Spears blocked a Prince Edward punt, and junior Michael Guard delivered a jarring hit to force a fumble on a punt return that Fluvanna recovered. On offense, the Flucos were led by junior quarterback Ryan Foster who used all of his weapons to secure a win. Foster completed 5-of-9 passes for 143 yards. Senior wideout Danny Edgell hauled in two receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, while his counterpart, senior wideout Keith Pillow, hauled in two key first-down receptions totaling 40 yards. Foster also used his legs to rush for 55 yards and two scores and finished with 19 carries. “I feel a lot more comfortable this season than last year protection-wise,” Foster said. “My offensive line is able to buy me time and I have a lot of options to spread the ball around to. “It’s nice to know I have sure-handed receivers and that I don’t have to look to scramble every play.” The Flucos travelled to R.E. Lee Sept. 5 to face a well-polished team that is led by Division I-A prospect Da’Quan Scott. “The Scott kid is a tremendous athlete and probably one of the best we will face all season, but we have already faced a team full of athletes when we played Fork Union in our annual foundation game,” Gray said. “It’s going to be a good benchmark for us before heading into district play later this month.” Editor's Note:strong> This report was submitted by Fluvanna standout Keith Pillow.]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1093 2008-09-05T06:32:22Z 2008-09-06T16:41:58Z

Louisa County coach Mark Fischer has something special brewing - again. Faced with the challenge of playing 24 hours earlier than expected, the Lions scored an opening-half touchdown and cruised to a 21-point victory at Powhatan on Thursday....

Staff Report Louisa County coach Mark Fischer has something special brewing - again. Faced with the challenge of playing 24 hours earlier than expected, the Lions scored an opening-half touchdown and cruised to a 21-point victory at Powhatan on Thursday.]]> Louisa (2-0) blanked Powhatan, 21-0, on Thursday to avenge an ugly loss suffered last year in front of the Mineral Militia. In fact, the Lions failed to score last year in their contest against Powhatan, losing 40-0. Sitting undefeated, and with a new quarterback in place, Louisa has promptly thrust its way into a position as a prominent player in upcoming Jefferson District title race. In the season’s opening game, Louisa rolled past Eastern View High School, 27-20. The Lions will return home next week, entertaining Spotsylvania on Sept. 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Louisa opens Jefferson District play on Sept. 26 against Western Albemarle (1-1). Western hosts James Monroe tonight. Check out tonight's games by clicking PICKS. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1092 2008-09-05T06:12:29Z 2008-09-05T13:44:19Z

Albemarle’s attempt to mount a late rally against Colonial Forge came up short on Thursday. The Patriots got a late goal from junior Katie Williams with 80 seconds left in the game, but suffered a 2-1 setback against their Commonwealth District field hockey rival....

Staff Report Albemarle’s attempt to mount a late rally against Colonial Forge came up short on Thursday. The Patriots got a late goal from junior Katie Williams with 80 seconds left in the game, but suffered a 2-1 setback against their Commonwealth District field hockey rival. ]]> Albemarle coach E.A. Fagan told the Daily Progress. “I’ve got a great group of athletes that know where to be and where to get to the ball, it’s just once we get in the circle we need to finish.” The Patriots remain winless on the young season. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1089 2008-09-04T19:52:21Z 2008-09-05T06:50:41Z

On Sunday, Sept. 28th, Charlottesville Area Volleyball Director Mike Koch will take his seat in the Western Albemarle gymnasium and do something he hasn’t done in years: watch his daughter, Ellen, play volleyball in Crozet. Ellen Koch, the 2004 Jefferson District Player of the...

Brent Wilson http://www.cvasports.com/new/brentwilson.php On Sunday, Sept. 28th, Charlottesville Area Volleyball Director Mike Koch will take his seat in the Western Albemarle gymnasium and do something he hasn’t done in years: watch his daughter, Ellen, play volleyball in Crozet. Ellen Koch, the 2004 Jefferson District Player of the Year in volleyball, graduated from WAHS in 2005 and is now in her senior year serving, digging, and spiking the ball for Christopher Newport University. ]]> Western Albemarle coach Lance Rogers, “and it gives high school volleyball players in Central Virginia a chance to see some great Division III volleyball. “The Division I power game being played at the University of Virginia is thrilling, but it is not the only game in town.” Most girls in this area who want to continue playing volleyball in college have a more realistic chance of playing for a Division III program than a Division I program, Rogers added. This match will give them an opportunity to see what it is like to play at that level. Washington & Lee boasts a long tradition of success. Over the past decade, they have advanced to the NCAA Tournament eight times and won seven Old Dominion Athletic Conference titles in a row. In 2006, the Generals advanced to the “Sweet 16” of the NCAA Tournament and they finished the season with a 29-6 record. W&L is the clear favorite to repeat as conference champions - the team received 10 of the 11 first-place votes in the ODAC preseason poll, as voted on by the league’s coaches. CNU, currently 2-2 this season, is coming off one of its best seasons ever. The Captains finished a perfect 18-0 in the USA South Conference and ended the year 33-7 overall. CNU is currently ranked 25th in the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Preseason Top 25 poll, marking the first time the team has been nationally ranked. Koch currently ranks second on the team with 31 kills and the Captains' roster also boasts former Waynesboro High standout Sarah Coffey. Another advantage looms for local volleyball fans with the event. “There is no admission charge,” Rogers added, noting that UVa has just begun charging admission to its matches this year. Come join Mike and others as two of the top Division III volleyball programs in Virginia square off for in-state bragging rights. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1086 2008-09-03T18:19:18Z 2008-09-04T20:00:02Z

Takeem Hedgeman is up to his old tricks again. The former Monticello running back made a successful debut on Saturday for Norfolk State, rushing four times for 29 yards in a lopsided 47-7 win over Virginia State at Dick Price Stadium....

Staff Report Takeem Hedgeman is up to his old tricks again. The former Monticello running back made a successful debut on Saturday for Norfolk State, rushing four times for 29 yards in a lopsided 47-7 win over Virginia State at Dick Price Stadium. ]]> Hedgeman entered the game again in the second half and rushed for 12 more yards, but the play was eventually negated by a holding penalty on Norfolk State. At Monticello last year, Hedgeman set the state record with 51 touchdowns and helped the Mustangs win the Group AA Division 3 title. Hedgeman finished the season with 2,891 yards rushing and was named an All-State performer. The Spartans (1-0) will play Saturday at Kentucky at 6 p.m. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1084 2008-09-02T23:04:21Z 2008-09-03T21:53:55Z

INSIDER Dennis the Menace punched out this private school football report, which includes insight on the Blue Ridge program and first-year Head Coach Del Smith, the Covenant School's gutsy victory over Atlantic Shores and an epic "Game of the Week" scheduled for Friday between...

Dennis Steljes INSIDER Dennis the Menace punched out this private school football report, which includes insight on the Blue Ridge program and first-year Head Coach Del Smith, the Covenant School's gutsy victory over Atlantic Shores and an epic "Game of the Week" scheduled for Friday between Fork Union and St. Anne's-Belfield.]]> BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL FOOTBALL The Blue Ridge Barons break in their third coach in four years as Del Smith takes the reins. The Barons were impressive at the Mercersburg jamboree last weekend, where they faced off against Woodberry, Flint Hill and Mercersburg. Blue Ridge is huge up front with a line that averages 280 pounds. They have speed on the edge with Scott Williams, Ryan Smith and former Albemarle High star Denzel Wilson, who transfered from Fork Union. Don't have any news on their quarterback search, but it appears that Head Coach Smith is committed to pounding the ball at opponents. We'll see how this works as the Barons open their regular season at Division 1 power Collegiate this weekend. COVENANT SCHOOL FOOTBALL The Covenant School mustered a gutsy goalline stand to hang on and defeat a much improved Atlantic Shores squad 28-26. The Eagles have an improved passing attack this season but must overcome inconsistant offensive line play to achieve balance on offense. Their line averages about 220 and were very undersized against AS last week. Covenant travels to Flint Hill, a Division 1 semifinalist last season, to avenge last years 35-9 loss at TCS. Flint Hill lost some bigs to graduation, but they are still paced by all everything running back Orlandis Harvey, who racked up over 200 yards and 4 scores against the Eagles in last years contest. GAME OF THE WEEK St. Anne's-Belfield against Fork Union Military Academy is without question the game of the week. It could be epic. FUMA may have lost Dowtin to graduation, but its offensive line is still huge with three future Division I-A lineman. Fork Union will pound the ball at the Saints 3-5 scheme and it will be a matter of whether the Saints can last until the fourth quarter. Look for Head Coach John Blake to use some trickeration (thanks W.) to keep the FUMA defense off balance. INSIDER Dennis the Menace is a frequent contributor to CVaSports.com. Get to know Dennis the Menace by clicking PROFILE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1081 2008-08-30T15:46:43Z 2008-08-31T00:02:11Z

It took a successfully recovered onside kick with just 84 seconds left, but Louisa County enjoyed an emotional season-opening victory in front of The Mineral Millitia. The Lions (1-0) raced out to an early lead over the new school in Culpeper County and held...

Staff Report It took a successfully recovered onside kick with just 84 seconds left, but Louisa County enjoyed an emotional season-opening victory in front of The Mineral Millitia. The Lions (1-0) raced out to an early lead over the new school in Culpeper County and held off a late rally for a 27-20 win. ]]> Louisa County pounded out 119 yards on the ground and added another 179 through the air behind the arm of quarterback Dylan Hollins (8 for 11, 179 yards, 2 TDs). Early in the contest, Hollins connected with massive tight end Kerry Wynn for a 57-yard touchdown strike. It was Hollins' first start under center in his career. “The first game starting at quarterback to throw two touchdowns, that’s unbelievable,” Hollins told reporters. “That’s every kid’s dream to start at quarterback on varsity.” Wynn, who stands at 6-foot-4, led the Lions’ pass-catching options, hauling in four passes for 107 yards. The Lions also scored a 2-yard touchdown run by tailback Anthony Hunter. In the final quarter, Hunter added another score for insurance and totaled 63 rushing yards on 17 carries. Running back Kendall Davidson, who secured the win when he jumped on the pivotal onside kick, caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter from 14 yards out to cap off a 57-yard drive that answered Eastern View’s first score. “That was a big drive for them,” Eastern View Head Coach Greg Hatfield said. “We had a couple of chances to make some plays and we didn’t make them, but that was a big-time drive on their part.” Demetris Johnson (2 catches for 49 yards) and Rashawn Jackson (1 for 9) also got in the act catching passes for Louisa, which registered 14 first downs on the evening. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1080 2008-08-30T14:52:31Z 2008-09-03T18:22:52Z

Buckingham County was unable to survive an early-season test Friday on the road against Appomattox. The Blue Raiders used a strong ground game to secure the 26-6 victory at home over Buckingham. The defense for Appomattox was outstanding, allowing just 85 total yards in...

Staff Report Buckingham County was unable to survive an early-season test Friday on the road against Appomattox. The Blue Raiders used a strong ground game to secure the 26-6 victory at home over Buckingham. The defense for Appomattox was outstanding, allowing just 85 total yards in the contest. What was the bright spot for Buckingham? ]]> Buckingham County's defense did help force five fumbles in the contest, three of which were recovered by the Knights. With the opening loss as a building block, the Knights will be looking to rebound in back-to-back games with Fluvanna County and Prince Edward County. Both games provide the opportunity for Buckingham to climb over .500 before district play opens. Expect improvements with ball movement to become a focal point in the practice sessions leading up to the contests. For Appomatox, M.J. Pennix was in the backfield all night long and ended up with nine tackles and two sacks. Other defensive standouts included defensive tackle Kasonn Jones and linebacker Dalton Bennett. The Blue Raiders’ offense was lead by sophomore running back Joe Reed, who ran for 141 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries. His most exciting scamper came on a 67-yard touchdown on the first possession after halftime. Appomattox quarterback Kenny Scott added 135 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 10 carries. The elusive signal-caller was able to run behind his interior linemen the entire evening. Scott did account for four of the team’s five fumbles. In all, the Blue Raiders’ racked up 302 total yards. EDITOR'S NOTE: This report was compiled by Kyle Hanni of Charlottesville's ESPN 840 AM. Hanni hosts "Eye on College Football" on Thursday's from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN 840 AM. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1077 2008-08-29T21:44:26Z 2008-08-30T15:34:16Z

Former Albemarle High standout Nick Novak learned Friday that he would be the kicker for Kansas City when they open the season Sept. 7 at New England....

Staff Report Former Albemarle High standout Nick Novak learned Friday that he would be the kicker for Kansas City when they open the season Sept. 7 at New England. ]]> Albemarle High School, signed with Kansas City earlier this season. Novak won on a three-way battle for the spot by beating out Connor Barth and Jay Feely. The former Patriot has played for the Washington Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals. Novak made 86 percent of his field goals in training camp and nailed two of his three attempts in recent preseason contests. In college, Novak was a standout at Maryland. He was a two-time All-ACC performer in College Park. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1075 2008-08-28T17:11:50Z 2008-08-31T23:17:50Z

Regardless of what happens on the field, Charlottesville football Head Coach Chris Fraser has made a splash with his coaching staff. Three of the faces, in fact, have donned a Virginia football uniform within the past decade....

Staff Report Regardless of what happens on the field, Charlottesville football Head Coach Chris Fraser has made a splash with his coaching staff. Three of the faces, in fact, have donned a Virginia football uniform within the past decade. ]]> Black Knights have welcomed Jameel Sewell, Ahmad Hawkins and Brandon Isaiah into the fold for Frasier's first campaign. Sewell, Virginia's quarterback the past two years, is serving the final semester of his one-year suspension and is working as a mentor to signal caller Kevin Leatherwood. Sewell is slated to rejoin Virginia’s football team in time for spring drills. Hawkins, a former wide receiver at UVa, returned to Central Virginia after playing in the Arena League this summer. Hawkins is working with the team’s wideouts. Isaiah, after playing football for arenafootball2's Florida Firecats this summer, has also joined the fold and serving as the coach of the JV football team. Isaiah was a fullback and a special teams standout during his career at Virginia. Charlottesville, hoping to be a player in the race for the Jefferson District crown, opens its season Friday at home against Amherst County High School. Get to know Head Coach Fraser by clicking HERE. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1073 2008-08-28T01:46:22Z 2008-09-05T13:48:48Z

On Tuesday, Charlottesville's field hockey team took Chancellor, the 2006 state champion, to the brink during a 1-0 overtime thriller. The Black Knights allowed only one goal with a strong defensive effort and a 26-save performance from goalie Samantha Miller....

Staff Report On Tuesday, Charlottesville's field hockey team took Chancellor, the 2006 state champion, to the brink during a 1-0 overtime thriller. The Black Knights allowed only one goal with a strong defensive effort and a 26-save performance from goalie Samantha Miller. NOTE: Western Albemarle was the state champion in 2007. For more information on Charlottesville High School, please click BLACK KNIGHTS. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE. ]]> tag:www.cvasports.com,2008:/news//1.1072 2008-08-27T13:25:28Z 2008-08-29T15:58:00Z

Albemarle coach Mark Ragland often wonders what team is going to show up each night. On Tuesday, AHS took a game off and then “showed up” for three straight games and won its match versus Western Albemarle High, 3-1 (21-25, 25-14, 25-17, 25-12)....

Brent Wilson http://www.cvasports.com/new/brentwilson.php Albemarle coach Mark Ragland often wonders what team is going to show up each night. On Tuesday, AHS took a game off and then “showed up” for three straight games and won its match versus Western Albemarle High, 3-1 (21-25, 25-14, 25-17, 25-12).]]> WAHS freshman setter Riley Martin put down two service aces. Western’s Kristen Pack followed with a kill and finished off the opening set with a service ace to the far corner to complete a four-point win. Albemarle promptly played at the level their senior-dominated squad expects this season over the final three sets. In fact, the next three sets were won by the Patriots, 75-43, with the closest set being the third (25-17). During the second set, AHS senior Kara Elder dominated play with numerous kills and stuff blocks. In the critical third set, the Patriots left little doubt about the outcome. They jumped out to a 10-6 lead, stretched it to 18-13 on another kill from Elder and took the third set by eight points. The fourth and final set proved to be a mere formality as the experienced Patriots put away the Warriors by a decisive score of 25-12 as Albemarle’s Laura Gomez controlled the middle with kills and Elder worked from the outside of the net. For the match, the Patriots were paced by Elder’s 14 kills and Gomez added 13. Setter Abbie Hendrix put up 28 assists. For the Warriors, Sarah Harper had nine kills and 19 digs, setter Riley Martin had 11 assists and Aja Linton registered 14 digs. The Patriots are loaded at each position and have their best shot at states after getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs last year. On the other hand, the young Warriors can use their match against AHS as a springboard to get back to the state tournament this season. Both teams will compete in nine days in the eight-team AHS Tournament, which could include a rematch of last year’s final. Western won that contest. This report was contributed by Brent Wilson, the director of the Charlottesville Area Volleyball Club. Edited: Wednesday, 11:15 p.m. Get INSIDE Central Virginia sports by becoming a CVaSports.com INSIDER. Enjoy our message board by clicking HERE.]]>