Riley Martin is a veteran and after four years as Western Albemarle’s setter she keeps a few weapons in her back pocket to unleash at just the right time.
Like a quick dump kill.
“I try to save it until in the middle of a rally because that’s when teams are not so aware of it coming,” Martin said. “I just try and hold it until it’s really necessary.”
The Warriors’ crafty setter unleashed the offspeed attack at just the right moment Thursday night, placing it perfectly to even game three at 24-24 and end a two-point spurt by Powhatan. Two points later, Western wrapped up its 10th straight Jefferson District tournament title by completing a 3-0 sweep of Powhatan in Monticello’s gym.
Western swept the Indians largely on the strength of Devon Via’s breakout night at the net. The sophomore put together a 13-kill night despite only recently emerging as a big part of the rotation in the Warriors’ loaded group of hitters and blockers. Via has adjusted quickly to playing in crucial, meaningful games for Western.
“I try not to think about it too much and just do my thing,” Via said. “But it’s kind of tough. But getting set more and more you want to hit it harder and harder every time.”
Via’s presence forced Powhatan to account for her, Maggie Kooken and Katie Rossberg up front and the Indians simply couldn’t find an answer. Kooken and Rossberg each had nine kills with Rossberg coming up with several at pivotal times. Via made that possible and she’ll be a critical piece of the puzzle for the Warriors in Region II play.
“She had the game of her life tonight, she played awesome,” said Western coach Jena McFaddin. “She’s got a lot of power. She came through when we really needed her.”
The third game was the most competitive of the three as Powhatan leapt out to a 7-3 lead before Western regained control during a 9-1 run to lead 12-8. The Indians got back into it though and eventually built a 21-16 lead, but a series of critical Powhatan errors allowed the Warriors to not the game at 21-21. A Via kill tied it again at 22-22 then Western went up another point forcing Powhatan to call a timeout. The break served its purpose as Powhatan moved to game-point two plays later, leading 24-23. But that’s when Martin unleashed the quick kill.
Rossberg completed a tip kill on the next play and a Powhatan error closed out the match. Western won the first two games 25-22 and 25-15.
The Warriors were rock solid defensively as Marin Crowder came up with 18 digs, Marina Clark had 11 digs and Kooken came up with 10 digs. Martin had three aces while Kooken also had a pair of aces. Martin checked in with 38 assists.
Both squads advance to the Region II tournament, with Western slated to host Tuesday with time and opponent to be determined.
