Bruton volleyball on the rise

Senior middle blocker Shayla Hillian (1) led Bruton High School's volleyball team in kills and blocks in 2013.

 By John Harvey

jharvey@revcitysports.com

                       

YORK – Bruton High’s volleyball team flourished in the Virginia High School League’s six-classification format last season, reaching the semifinals of the Conference 33 tournament.

Coach Kevin Schoolfield’s team returns four seniors from last year’s club, including its top to hitters, which should make the Panthers a threat for some postseason gold this fall.

“Last season was one of the most successful volleyball seasons in a long while for Bruton High School, and we plan to see an even greater level of success this season,” Schoolfield said. “We have a hard working group of girls that play well together and are working every day to become more familiar and confident in the teammates standing next to them”

Middle blocker Shayla Hillian and outside hitter Sydney Jamison give Bruton a talented front line to build around.

Hillian was an all-conference selection last season and has the ability to change the game. The senior has great instincts and has a wealth of experience at the club volleyball level. Jamison is another talented player that continues to get better. She can hit the ball with power and has a knack for making the right play.

Hailey Bauer also returns for the Panthers. The senior setter led the team in assists last season and has great vision on the court.

Schoolfield has also been impressed with a talented freshman who is expected to play right away. Gabby Calloway has been a fixture on the club volleyball scene for years and has played in many big games. The outside hitter has great athleticism and gives Bauer options on the attack.

                                                                                                                             

The key to Bruton’s success this season will be on the defensive side of the ball. The team continues to work players into the rotation with hopes of finding the right chemistry on the floor.

“Our goal is to continue to improve on our rise in the Bay Rivers District and reach our conference finals,” he said. “Our goal is to continue to improve on our rise in the Bay Rivers District and reach our conference finals.”

Contact me at jharvey@revcitysports.com or @HarveySports757 via Twitter.