The Lord Botetourt girls gave state favorite Christiansburg a tough match last week, but ultimately fell to the Blue Demons in the Region 3D volleyball semifinal. Christiansburg remained undefeated at 25-0 with a four-set win over the Cavaliers.
Coming into the match Christiansburg had lost just 10 sets in their previous 24 matches, all wins. Last week’s region semifinal was for a berth in the state championship tournament and the LB girls lost two close ones to open the night, 25-22 and 27-25. Botetourt then won the third set, 25-17, but the Blue Demons prevailed in the fourth, 25-15, to earn a spot in the region championship match against Abingdon this week. Christiansburg will open state play on Saturday.
“We played very well,” said LB coach Samantha Wilkins. “We started out slow in the first set, but made some great plays at the net and were able to come back within three points, having a lot of momentum going into the second set. We made them earn every point. They left it all out on the court and I couldn’t ask for anything more from them.”
Photos by Kymn Davidson-Hamley
Ava Stephens had 12 kills and 10 blocks to lead the Cavs. Savanna Johnson had 11 kills, Addison Naff had nine, and Kennedy Fender had 33 assists.
Botetourt finished the season 17-8. The Cavaliers won 12 of their last 13 matches, losing only to Christiansburg, and won the Blue Ridge District regular season and tournament championships.
The All-Blue Ridge District team has been announced and senior Gracelynn Clark of LB is the District Player of the Year. Joining her on the first team are seniors Savanna Johnson and Kennedy Fender and junior Ava Stephens. Second team selections from Lord Botetourt are junior Addalyn Underwood and sophomore Addison Naff.
