To the victor goes the spoils, the old saying goes, and that was the case with the state champion Lord Botetourt volleyball team this season. The undefeated Cavaliers dominated the VHSL Class 3 All-State team that was announced this week.

Botetourt coach Julie Conner was named the Class 3 Coach of the Year after leading the Cavaliers to a perfect 31-0 season. LB won 88 of 92 sets played this year, culminating in a three-set win over Warren County in the state championship match in Richmond in November.

Miette Veldman, a sophomore, was named the Class 3 State Player of the Year, an amazing accomplishment for an underclassman. She not only anchored the Cavaliers’ front line, but was an outstanding player all over the court.

Miette’s sister, senior Lara Veldman, was also named to the first team. A third first team All-State selection was setter Jordyn Kepler, and defensive specialist Kenleigh Gunter was named second team All-State. Kepler and Gunter are both sophomores.

LB also dominated the Region 3D team, with Miette Veldman being named Player of the Year. Lara Veldman, Kepler and Gunter were first team All-Region, while Catherine Reinard and Brooklyn Shelton, both juniors, were second team All-Region selections. Junior Scottie Cook was named Honorable Mention.

The amazing thing about the Botetourt All-Region selections is that six of the seven girls are underclassmen, with only Lara Veldman graduating. There can be little doubt the Cavaliers will be heavy favorites to repeat in 2018.