Monticello volleyball used big runs to take the first and second sets before overcoming a deficit in the third set to defeat Western Albemarle 3-0 in both squads’ spring season opener Tuesday night.
“It feels so good to be back on the court with my team,” said Monticello senior Adaire Burnsed. “I’m so grateful to have a season this year. It’s just beyond words, I can’t even describe it.”
Burnsed led the Mustangs with 14 kills, including a few kills and an ace in the first set to help give Monticello some separation from Western Albemarle. The Warriors kept things close early on, but a trio of 4-0 runs gave the Mustangs the 25-20 first set win.
“I’ve been proud of how they’ve been working in practice, but it felt like they brought it up a notch tonight,” said Monticello coach Meg Laughlin.
Western Albemarle started the second set strong, racing out to a 9-6 lead behind an impressive performance by Juliana Murphy, who finished with six kills. Monticello responded by going on a 9-0 run, including back-to-back aces by Anne Krehmeyer.
Monticello played strong defense in the second part of the second set. Hayley Shifflett had eight digs in the game and the Mustangs blocked several Warrior hits in the second set.
“I was really impressed with our front row and just the blocking has gotten really strong,” said Laughlin.
Carrie Devine powered the Mustangs’ offense with 29 assists and Monticello went on to win the second set 25-18.
In the third set, Western Albemarle had their best chance to steal a set from the Mustangs, as the Warriors led 17-13 at one point. Western Albemarle’s Emma Shifflett recorded three consecutive aces to give the Warriors the four-point edge. Shifflett finished with a game-high five aces.
Once again, however, the Mustangs went on a run to tie the game at 17. The teams traded points until the Mustangs reached match point with a 24-22 lead. But the Warriors would not go away easily, winning two-straight points with their backs up against the wall.
It was not meant to be for Western Albemarle, though, as Monticello won the next two points, the set, and the match with a 3-0 sweep.
“I’m proud of how they pulled it together,” said Laughlin. “They knew they wanted this win and having so much joy in playing, it was just great to see them keep it together and pull it through.”
The Mustangs will look to keep it going on the road against Orange Wednesday while the Warriors will try and bounce back Monday when they host Charlottesville.
