The best kept secret in local high school athletics just might be unfolding in Brentsville this season, as Coach Amy Beard’s ladies of the Brentsville Volleyball Team are spiking, digging, and blocking their way into postseason play.
The Lady Tigers have quietly put together a 12-6 season so far (10-2 vs Conference Opponents, 12-2 vs division 3A opponents), and hopes of a push well into the postseason are high among players and fans.
Opening with a run of 7 straight wins, 6 of them against Conference 28 opponents, the Tigers set and have maintained a pace that looks like it will keep them in first place from season opener to season finale. Led by lone Senior Captain Sarah Wampler, the Tigers are looking to build on last season’s groundbreaking appearance at the district tournament.
A solid core of Juniors, many of whom play volleyball year-round, is providing the fuel for this year’s run.
Dependable setter Allison Tucker manages the court like a metronome, turning hardcourt digs and passes from defensive specialist Kennedy Willey into fat targets for Outside Hitter Kylie Loudermilk and Right Side Hitter Megan Rayno to smash into opposing front lines.
Middle Nicole Bulgrin smashes more than her share of hits, and adds a blocking ability to the team that intimidates some opponents to the point where they simply stop trying to spike.
Finally, like the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae, Libero Bryn Damico regularly displays an uncanny ability to drive balls from the back row to fly low across the net, then drop quickly and heavily into the back row of an opposing team that had been expecting a free ball.
But perhaps the most satisfying aspect of this year’s team is the esprit-de-corps, the unspoken love of being together and pursuing a common goal, which weaves its way through teammates and fans alike.
The ladies chase down errant balls, bringing them back into play, with a surprising regularity that is hard not to get excited about. Excitement, fun, comradery. All the classic elements are here.
This week marks the last week of season play for the Brentsville Volleyballers. After that? We are all eager to find out.
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