Colonial Beach’s experience sinks Lady Panthers’ attempt for win

Charles City's Ashley McDermott angles her body to return a long serve.

Andre' Jones photo

Charles City’s Lady Panthers volleyball team continue to get their feet wet as they become acclimated to a season of learning and rebuilding. Ironically, it was the visiting Colonial Beach Lady Drifters who made a splash in a Sept. 28 non-district contest.

Behind the experience of seven seniors and four juniors, Colonial Beach coasted in straight sets 25-8, 25-11, 25-14 over the Lady Panthers, never trailing throughout the match.

The Lady Drifters got off to a fast start in set one, claiming the first set by jumping out to an 11-4 lead. And with set two looking like a doppelganger of the first set, Charles City showed that have improved since their opening home contest.

The hosts first threat came as they trailed 10-3 in set number two. An errant Colonial Beach serve led to a Lady Panther point that was subsequently followed by a Keanna Motley tap to half the guests’ lead (10-5). Colonial Beach responded with seven unanswered points, but Charles City fired back behind Jaelah Wyatt. Wyatt’s serving propelled the hosts to five straight points, culminated by a Raven Christian spike to narrow the gap to seven (17-10). However, Colonial Beach would close out the set on an 8-1 run to claim it.

The guests raced out in frame three 7-0 behind keen serving from Michaela Beverly. Colonial Beach held a 15-3 advantage before the Lady Panthers got going again. Charles City’s Ashley McDermott catapulted the ball over the net from the back line, prompting a 5-0 run and forcing the guests back on their heels. The Lady Drifters rebounded, rebuilding a double digit margin before proceeding to a 25-14 to win the game and sweep the match.

After the contest, Lady Panther head coach James Raj talked about the continuing growth of his youthful team.

“We are making a lot of positive improvements and getting better in the game,” he commented. “Our teamwork is much better and tonight, we put up a great fight against a team that was taller, bigger, and more experienced than us.”

The coach added that he wants his team to enjoy the experience and not be tense when taking the court.

“I need their confidence to be present,” Raj continued. “I do not want them to lose heart when we get down. I want it to build up and see us grow together.”

Charles City falls to 1-4 on the year.