Though they boast a talented roster, there have been times this year where Fluvanna County has needed a spark to get things going. Facing visiting Monticello, the Flyin’ Flucos saw the Mustangs fight to win a hard fought first game and open on the second game with a 4-0 start. But after sophomore Mia Loyd stuffed three consecutive attacks at the middle of the net during a five second stretch in a long rally, Fluvanna came to life to win the next three games by at least nine or more points for the 3-1 win, 22-25, 25-12, 25-16, 25-15.
“They all just kind of came alive after the first game and started doing the things they needed to do,” said Fluco’s coach Christie Harlowe-Garrett.
Fluvanna was a different team after Lyod’s energetic play. From that point the Flucos took over by going on a 25-8 run which included an 11-0 run fueled by Kayla Walker’s serve. In game three Fluvanna jumped out ten point lead half way through and had no trouble keep the Mustangs at a distance. In the fourth game, Monticello played closer to the way they played in the first game, going toe-to-toe the Flucos for the first half, but Fluvanna then peeled off a quick 9-2 run to wrap up the match.
“When the girls decide to play at the level that they can play at, it’s amazing,” Harlowe-Garrett said. “When they don’t play at that level, it’s not quite as amazing.”
Mandy Kline had a serious influence on the outcome of the game to say the least. The senior put up a game high 21 kills while also tallying 7 aces. Teammates Hannah Miller and Kayla Walker also broke into double-digits in the kills department, finishing with 11 and 10 respectively. The two Fluvanna setters, Courtney Tyree and Samantha Toy each had quality nights. Tyree wound up with 23 assists and Toy chipped in 14.
The Mustangs, who had been on a five game winning streak, played sound defense in game one, but struggled with passing and communication later in the match.
“We passed really well in that first game,” said Monticello coach John Mitchem. “Our serve-receive fell apart in games two and four. We just weren’t able to give them much of a challenge. So hopefully we’ll get things turned around. We’ll probably see this team at some point in the District tournament so we hope to be ready.”
Kate Geldmacher finished with six kills for Monticello. Senior setter Amanda Powell followed her 40 assist performance on Tuesday with 15 helpers.
Monticello (10-5, 6-3 Jefferson) travels to Goochland on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Fluvanna (12-4, 8-2) heads to William Monroe also on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
