The last time Albemarle coach Mark Ragland reached a milestone, he didn’t get any fanfare.
This time he did it in style.
Ragland and his Albemarle volleyball squad rolled 3-0 Monday night against Brooke Point in a Commonwealth District match. The victory pushed the Patriots to 18-0 on the season, the longest win streak in program history. It was also Ragland’s 500th career victory.
“It’s really special to do it with this group of girls,” Ragland said. “They work hard every day and it’s especially satisfying after going 13-13 last year in a rebuilding effort. I don’t think any of us saw this coming.”
Ragland is the VHSL’s all-time wins leader in volleyball, a mark he attained when an adjustment in the record of another coach one summer pushed him to the top of the heap. This time he had a little more of a chance to enjoy the moment.
“Only thing that would’ve been better would’ve been to have been at home,” Ragland said. “It was a fun night.”
Hannah Deal set the tone with 11 aces on the night, making a huge statement from the service line. The Patriots won 25-13, 25-16 and 25-15.
Chelsea Woodfolk finished with 11 kills while Alexis Anderson stepped up with nine kills and four blocks. Sarah Woods rounded out the offensive effort with six kills.
Jessica Blocker triggered the offense with 31 assists while Caroline Porco and Taylor Bauman handled the defensive effort with 17 digs between them.
Albemarle hosts North Stafford Tuesday night when the Patriots try and push their current run to 19-0.
