Patriots: When Patrick Henry hits the court for the regular season next week, the Patriots will be returning eight players as they look to defend their Western Valley District title.
Patrick Henry, which will fight with Franklin County this season for the top spot, will be counting on returning senior Liz Brailsford, who has 423 kills and 244 digs. She also set a state record for kills in a match with 42. Sophomore Caroline Braisford (555 assists, 77 kills), senior Bailey Marshall (82 kills), junior Cathy Ren (77 kills), senior Taylor Sparrow, junior Jasmine Keeling and sophomores Morgan Robison and Sara Miller also return.
New to the varsity program this season are senior Alisha Terry, juniors Elizabeth Higgs and Heather Carlisle, along with sophomores Lauren Deck and Paige Pest.
“We have an experienced group of players, great outside hitters and setters,” said coach Patricia Sheedy, who saw her team go 10-0 in the WVD and 15-8 overall, when asked about the Patriots strengths this season. As for any team weaknesses, Sheedy replied, “height.” As in lack of it. Patrick Henry opens its regular season on Thursday, Aug. 26, when they travel to Bassett.
Colonels: A new school, a new staff and a brand new attitude are the things that William Fleming are counting on, as the Colonels look to re-establish its volleyball program in the Western Valley District under first-year head coach Terri Craig.
Craig, an All-State setter during her high school career at Northside, is looking to rebuild the volleyball program at William Fleming, which went 0-18 last year.
Also assisting Craig this year will be Taylor Ferguson (who played for William Byrd) and JV Coach Chelsey Sutton, a former standout from Auburn High School.
“We are working hard to build a new foundation for this program with the coaching staff philosophy,” said Craig. “Our players are demonstrating dedication and determination.”
Returning players include Briana Cabbler (senior, S/OH), Lara Turner (senior, MH), Sheena Petty (senior, OH/MH) and T’Nisha Taylor (senior, MH/OH).
New to the Colonels this season are Senior Rashawnda Osbourne, Juniors: Na’Aousha Campbell, Terry Smith, Teniaya Walker, Tanesha Scott, Sirrita Green, Taylor Wright, Lasha Hughes, Canisha Cousser and sophomore Sadie Elliott.
“One might say our strengths are currently equal to our weakness,” added Craig, “however, [William Fleming] volleyball will make the needed changes to re-establish our program in the Western Valley District.”
The new coach went on to say, “Our desire for the 2010 season is to regain respect and demonstrate our motivation to build a new program and establish ourselves as a well rounded team.”
William Fleming opens its season on Monday, Aug. 23, when they travel to Moneta to face the Staunton River Golden Eagles. The JV contest starts at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity match.
By David Grimes [email protected]