Undefeated Christiansburg puts to rest title dreams for New Kent in Class 3A State volleyball semifinals
New Kent’s Ryan Griffith (9) arches the ball over the outstretched arms of Christiansburg defenders Ela Shepherd (14) and Leah Rasor (6).Robb Johnson photo
New Kent’s Lady Trojans took the three-plus hour road trip to Christiansburg to take on the Lady Blue Demons for the right to play in the VHSL Group 3A State Volleyball Championship. And while New Kent performed valiantly in the face of competition, It would be the Lady Blue Demons who showed that their undefeated record was that way for a particular reason.
New Kent fell 11-25, 19-25, 16-25 on the road, thus ending their quest for a state championship and ending their season with an impressive 20-5 record.
Christiansburg opened up the contest strongly, using the momentum and energy of the crowd to discombobulate the Lady Trojans. Several runs strung together allowed the home team to jump out the gate, easily capturing the first set and making New Kent rethink their strategy.
In the second set, New Kent stayed competitive early, grabbing a 6-5 lead. After Christiansburg rebounded for an 8-7 lead, New Kent’s Reagan Hailey-Robinson used a simple tap over the net to tie the game. A few plays later, a Hannah Sachs ace put the Lady Trojans in front by one (10-9). That lead grew to 13-11 after a Carly Sachs’ kill and an ace by Leah Rounds.
But the Lady Blue Demons ratcheted up their intensity. Led by Ela Shepherd, Christiansburg began spiking for scores and forcing New Kent into errors. The home team powered through with a 14-6 run, taking a two-set lead over the Lady Trojans.
In the third stanza, Christiansburg opened up with an 8-1 run. New Kent attempted to battle back, closing the gap to five (9-4) before Abby Neel’s kill ended the Lady Trojans’ momentum. The Lady Blue Demons utilized pristine passing and strategy, outdueling the visitors and completing the sweep to earn a spot into the state championship game.
Despite the loss, New Kent Head Coach Stuart Burnett spoke about his team’s success not just this year, but in building up to this point.
“It was good for us to get our composure, and they ran the fastest offense we’ve seen all season,” he said. “We couldn’t get our play going.
“I am proud of how we played in the second and third sets,” Burnett added. “If you’re going to lose, it’s nice losing to the top team in Class 3.”
Six players from this year’s squad will graduate for the Lady Trojans, including four all-region selections in Hannah Sachs, Leah Rounds, Ava Nieto, and Desirae Stowe.
Carly Sachs led the team will 11 kills, while both Carly and Hannah Sachs led the team in digs with seven apiece.