The celebration was short, and understandably so, at least for those familiar with Western Albemarle volleyball. After topping William Monroe in four hard games 3-1 (25-13, 25-17, 21-25, 25-7), the Warriors scooped up their ninth straight Jefferson District title to secure yet another Region II bid. But with winning traditions come expectations and routines. Now winners of another regular season title, the first phase of Western’s season has passed.
“Section one is finished and now we can turn over to section two,” Rogers said. “We do really feel like there’s two separate seasons. (Going forward) we have to be even crisper in our execution with fewer unforced errors, those aren’t forgiving. These teams have seen us a lot and they know what our strengths and weaknesses are.”
The Warriors were able to jump out early on the Dragons in the first two contests and while Monroe fought hard with hitters Kaitlyn Roach and Alex Cave, Western’s leads were still comfortable enough as the defense endured the sets and quickly transitioned the ball to setter Riley Martin.
“(As the defensive specialist) I’m the basics of how a play gets started,” said libero Marin Crowder. “Passing’s a really important part of our team so I have to do my best.”
In game three, the Warriors got the best game from the Dragons as Monroe maintained a high energy level and was able to fire on all cylinders and not get tripped up by miscommunication. After establishing an eight-point lead well into the match, Monroe was able to keep Western from getting to within less than three points and take the game to force a fourth.
“The intensity level in that third game was incredible and they played and talked together really well,” said William Monroe coach Denise Hoffman. “But in the fourth, it was ‘blah’ – there was no communication.”
Western responded to the game three loss in the first 10 points of game four by taking all of them before establishing an easy 15-point lead.
“I thought our girls did a great job of regrouping and making smart plays to start that last game,” Rogers said. “They executed crisply.”
Up comfortably, the Warriors hammered away with Ana Asher, Allie Nicholson and Katie Rossberg and cruised to the win and subsequent JD title.
“I’m really proud of this team,” Crowder said. “I think that we’ve worked really hard to get this and so I also think that we deserve it.”
Crowder, who Rogers has started calling his “Minister of Defense” led the way superbly in that department with 22 digs. Asher finished with a game high 17 kills while Nicholson and Rossberg followed with 11 and seven respectively. Riley Martin had an impressive 36 assists.
For Monroe, Kaitlyn Roach led her team with 13 kills and also seven service points. Two-way machine Alex Cave had an outstanding game with a her double-double of 12 kills and 11 digs.
Western (18-3, 12-0 JD) plays Orange at home on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Monroe (12-8, 8-4) hosts Goochland at the same date and time.
