GOOCHLAND — And the Beat Goes On is not only a single by The Whispers, it is a fitting analysis of the Goochland girls volleyball team, as Goochland continued its annual march through the James River District.
This season has been no different than in years past for the Bulldogs, as they’ve been dominant while ripping through the regular season.
Goochland added another victory to its unblemished record on Thursday, knocking off visiting Buckingham 3-0 for the second time this season.
Goochland coach Jennifer Erixon credits her five seniors — Madelyn Ott, Josie Summitt, Corinne Whalen, Maddie Parker and Brenda Moore — in guiding the team to a 17-0 record.
“It’s definitely been helpful having this group of seniors because they’ve played together for so long and they know each other very well and they click very well,” Erixon said. “My underclassmen have really improved a lot this season too. They’ve really stepped up and learned what needs to be done and what needs to happen.”
With every group, there are the front men, and Ott, a middle hitter, and Summitt, a setter, play that role for the Bulldogs. Ott registered 11 kills and four aces against the Knights, while Summitt tallied 28 assists and two digs. Teammate Alexis Wiggins, a sophomore, recorded six kills in the win.
The 6-2 Ott has secured her plans for the next four years as she will continue her career at Georgia State.
“[Ott has] put in so much work in the offseason and has stepped up her leadership skills this year,” Erixon added. “The connection between her and my setter, Josie, has really come alive this season. They communicate really well together.
“Josie’s been the center of my offense for three years now and she’s really going to be missed next year. I coached her in club and she’s played all the way around for me. She’s just a really solid setter, an intelligent setter and she’s definitely integral to our play.”
Goochland is not only unbeaten this season, but they’ve yet to lose a match. A feat that stretches back a few years in regular season play.
“In the regular season, it’s been four seasons now since we’ve lost a set in the regular season,” Erixon said. “We obviously get the higher competition in the postseason, but we’re just trying to do what we can to mentally prepare them to get to that postseason.”
The Bulldogs will be attempting to erase the memory of a season-ending loss to Riverheads, but it will take a total team effort. And with Thursday’s rout, serve notice they are planning on going further than last year.
Goochland has three games remaining on its regular season slate before postseason play begins in early November.
