By Brandt Berry / Scrimmageplaycva.com contributor
Fluvanna County dropped a five-set match to Powhatan a week ago and while they trounced Charlottesville later in the week, the Flucos were looking for a signature win in the early stages of the Jefferson District slate.
They got a big one against Monticello Tuesday night, sweeping the Mustangs 3-0.
The Flucos controlled the tempo for most of the first game and rallied around strong net play by Leslie Walters and Taylor Beck. Fluvanna Coach Christi Harlowe-Garrett was very happy with the net play.
“They are working on timing and coming together, and it really came together for us tonight,” Harlowe-Garrett said.
Though Fluvanna dominated the first game, they had to fight to put away the Mustangs as Charlotte Devine and Molly Relken tried to lead their team back with several thunderous kills. Their efforts were not enough in the first game though, as Fluvanna held on for a comfortable 25-19 win.
“We haven’t learned to play hard every point yet,” said Monticello Coach John Mitchem, “We haven’t learned that there isn’t a light switch we can turn on and off.”
The second game was much closer, as Monticello rallied from a 22-24 deficit to eventually take the lead at 25-24. But Fluvanna continued to hold strong and showed some savvy play to seize the competitive second game 28-26.
“They are growing and they are maturing,” Harlowe-Garrett said. “They are getting better each time they step on the court and it’s exciting to see that.”
Monticello found itself in front midway through the third game 15-12, but after a Fluvanna timeout, the Flucos went on a 13-5 run to end the game and match. “They just went out there and did what they needed to do,” Harlowe-Garrett said.
For the Flucos, Junior Hannah Miller led the team with eight critical kills and also racked up fiveblocks. Senior Molly Relken led the Mustangs with 13 kills, and senior setter Mariah Williams finished with 27 assists.
