The James River volleyball team opened the season on Monday at Glenvar with a four-game loss. The Knights have their home opener on Thursday against Alleghany.
Davina Copsey, who coached the Knights’ jayvee team last year, takes over as head coach for departed Dave Mcgee and she’ll be assisted by Mikhala Stafford. McGee took a job as head coach at Hollins University.
Copsey started coaching high school volleyball at Rockbridge County High School in 2012, where she was the jayvee coach for five years and a varsity assistant for three. She has also coached travel teams and started a recreation program with the Botetourt Recreation Department in the spring of 2019.
Copsey has returning seniors Olivia Thacker (RS), Myla Lester (setter), Ainsley Simmons (middle), Lily Wilson (middle), and Morgan Marshall (outside) on the roster.
“They’re really taking the lead on bringing the team together,” said Copsey. “It’s great to have the senior talent spread out across the court.”
Junior Michaela Hedrick is looking good as River’s starting Libero and she will a key player for the Knights. Sophomore Emma Lester has come on strong on the outside.
“It has been a great fit for me, with players who work and play hard,” said Copsey of her time in Springwood.
On Tuesday at Glenvar the Knights won the first game, 25-17, but Glenvar rallied to take the next three, 25-15, 25-12 and 25-16. Marshall led River with nine kills while Emma Lester had six. Hedrick had 22 digs, Rachel Harless had 11 and Myla Lester had 13 assists and eight aces. Bailey Mines had 10 assists and five aces for the Knights. Simmons and Wilson played well at the net.
