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| Ellie Popelka (8) and Tess Anderson were among the standouts for Jamestown at the Colonial Forge jamboree. |
By
John Harvey
STAFFORD
– Jamestown High’s volleyball team doesn’t start for two weeks, but coach Tom Stephenson’s
team is already playing at a playoff level following last Saturday’s jamboree
at Colonial Forge High School.
The
Eagles won all four matches to win the jamboree title, including victories over
Class 5A powerhouse Kellam High (25-19, 25-23) and perennial 3A state title
contenders Cave Spring (25-13, 25-17) and Loudoun Valley (25-9, 25-19). They
also earned a big win over Osbourn Park (25-3, 25-17), a talented 6A program.
“I was impressed that we did this
against very strong competition,” Stephenson said. “I was able to play all 12
players on my roster and everyone performed at a high level.”
Tess Anderson had a terrific
tournament, excelling in all areas. The senior outside hitter led the team with
25 kills for the tournament. She also sparked the charge defensively, posting
32 digs.
“The team played very well overall,”
Anderson said. “Everyone contributed and we stayed aggressive throughout the
entire day. That's a good way to start the season. It gives us a glimpse into
the season ahead and shows us all the potential we have.”
Maria
Esch, an all-state performer last season, finished the jamboree with 16 kills
and 30 digs. Ellie Popelka was impressive in all phases, posting 15 kills, five
blocks, six aces and five digs.
Newcomer
Emma Schriner had six blocks and six kills, while Grace Thiesse posted nine
kills and two blocks in her return to the program. Allison Wells was steady
with six kills and four blocks.
Maggie
Viniard and Maddie Spence did a great job running the offense for Stephenson.
Viniard had 38 assists, 14 digs and three aces. Spence contributed 25 assists,
10 digs and two aces as the Eagles unveiled a formidable 1-2 punch at setter.
“Ellie Popelka excelled in every part of her game, putting up
a terrific block, hitting and serving with power,” Stephenson said. “Maria Esch
and Tess Anderson were outstanding in their all-around play and we looked
seamless in the use of Maggie Viniard and Maddie Spence as our setters in
running an offense that features 6 strong attackers.”
Defensively,
Abby Metzger had 12 digs and Gen Allison added 11 more in their first varsity experience.
Rebecca Golub posted five aces and five digs, while Maddie Pettengell added
four digs and a kill.
“I
was able to play all 12 players on my roster and everyone performed at a high
level,” Stephenson said. “I was impressed by our defense and the movement of
our players in serve-receive. Offensively, we were very strong, but I was very
happy with our defense and the ability to immediately side-out when another
team scored a point.”
.
Stephenson said the team looks ready
for the season opener on Sept. 2 at Grafton. “The high level of competition in
this jamboree will help battle-test us for the beginning of the season in the
always tough Bay Rivers District.”
Contact me at HarveySports757@yahoo.com or
@HarveySports757 via Twitter.
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