T he Rockbr idge County High School volleyball team split its first two Shenandoah District matches on the road last week, falling 3-1 to Wilson Memorial before rebounding with a 3-0 win over Riverheads.
Last Tuesday, the Green Hornets (4-0, 2-0 district) defeated the Wildcats (2-1, 1-1) by a 25-13, 25-18, 14-25, 27-25 count. Mackenzie McCormick paced RC with eight kills, four blocks and seven service aces. Jada Hamilton tallied eight kills, 17 digs and three blocks for the ’Cats, and Maisen McKemy notched 26 assists and three aces.
RC head coach Gabe Wagner thought his team acquitted itself well after a tough start.
“The Wilson game was a good chance for us to see some solid competition early,” Wagner said. “We came out extremely flat and lacking energy. Once we found our sense of urgency, we were able to play our game and control the third [set] and partially the fourth.
“As we continue to work hard and feel more pressure, I expect our ability to jump out strong for away games will increase,” the RC coach added.
Ava Crocker recorded 16 digs for the Wildcats, and Hayley Higgins finished with 15. Emma Johnson had two blocks and three aces, and Emmy Duff also posted a pair of blocks.
RC 3, Riverheads 0 RC quickly got back in the win column by sweeping Riverheads away from home on Thursday.
Hamilton totaled 10 kills, 12 digs, three blocks and three aces to lead the Wildcats to a 25-23, 25-12, 25-11 victory over the Gladiators (1-2, 0-2). McKemy registered 27 assists, McCormick had seven kills and four aces, and Crocker paced the defense with 15 digs.
“Riverheads was a good bounce-back win for us,” Wagner said. “We saw once again that we need to learn how to play better straight off the bus. Once we found our rhythm towards the end of set one, we found ourselves playing well the following two sets.”
Duff and Johnson each contributed five kills in the win, and Duff also had two blocks. Higgins added 12 digs, and Braelyn Polly served up a pair of aces.
RC was slated to visit Parry McCluer on Monday and to play host to Fort Defiance last night. The Wildcats will travel to Waynesboro on Thursday and then welcome in Alleghany on Tuesday, with junior varsity action getting underway at 6 p.m. on both nights.
