With Jasmine Monge, Cassidy Wilson and Eleanor Bright sidelined because of injury, the Western Albemarle volleyball team jumped into a big week of volleyball having to completely re-adjust their lineup. With the a meeting with long-time Jefferson District rival Fluvanna County on Tuesday and big meeting with cross-county rival Albemarle on Thursday, the Warriors looked to re-configure things and see how it works.
With a 3-1 win over the Flucos, 25-12, 13-25, 25-16, 25-14, it was a night of confidence building for a team that’s played very well so far and is in the midst of trying to overcome some serious adversity.
“I was most pleased with the fourth set because we had injuries, had to put people in different places that they haven’t played and they did the job that they’re supposed to do and they were good,” said Western coach Ron Pack. “The fact that they came back, got themselves under control after the second set and even worked through some issues in the fourth set, I was just really proud of them.”
The Warriors came out strong in game one by taking a 12-2 lead. The Flucos got to as close as 17-10 in response, but with an 8-2 run, Western took a 1-0 advantage as Fluvanna struggled with serve receive and service errors.
“I saw us unite as a team,” said Western senior hitter Alema Atuaia. “I think this was a breakthrough for us — to play to win, not to play not to lose. Everyday at practice we’re getting stronger. And it was just about working together as a team and every game we’re trying to work on that.”
The Flucos played their best in game two, starting with a 10-5 lead in game two and then maintaining the advantage to 15-9. With a trio of aces of Christina Walker, the Flucos took a commanding 9-point lead and finished off the Warriors 25-13 to even things up at 1-1.
The third game was a back-and-forth affair. Western built a 10-2 lead but Fluvanna fought back to make it close at 18-13. The Warriors finished with a 7-3 run to pick up the pivotal game and go up 2-1.
In the fourth set, Western carried over the momentum with a 3-0 start and while it was 16-13 midway through, a 9-1 run where the Warriors played their best volleyball of the night finished up the the win.
On the night, Courtney Berry finished with 12 kills and two blocks. Andrea Vail had 27 assists. Atuaia had an all-around day with 12 digs, nine kills and three aces. Olivia Nichols had nine kills.
