The Lord Botetourt volleyball team got off to a great start with three-set wins in their first two matches last week. LB beat Hidden Valley and Salem with both matches played in Daleville.

The opening night win over Hidden Valley was a big one, as the Titans were Group 3A state champions last year. LB edged them in the first set, 27-25, then turned it on to win the next two, 25-19 and 25-15.

“We had a little bit of a slow start,” said LB coach Julie Conner. “The girls were excited to finally have a match.”

Sophomore Miette Veldman led the Cavaliers with 19 kills. She also had 15 digs, four aces and two blocks.

Senior Lara Veldman had 12 kills and nine digs. Kenleigh Gunter had 15 digs and Jordyn Kepler led LB in assists with 36 while also serving up a couple aces.

On Thursday the Cavaliers hosted Salem and took another three-set win. This time LB dominated the first set, 25-9, before taking the next two 25-21 and 25-11.

Miette Veldman ruled the net with 15 kills and three blocks, also getting 13 digs. Sister Lara had seven kills and 15 digs.

Kepler had 34 assists in this match while Ellis had 11 digs. Catherine Reinard had a good match with seven kills and two blocks.

The Cavaliers were scheduled to be back in action Tuesday against Blacksburg, last year’s Group 3A runner-up to Hidden Valley. The Bruins have moved up to Group 4A this year, so they won’t be competing with LB in the post-season.

Botetourt is at Jefferson Forest on Thursday of this week before a rematch with the Titans at Hidden Valley next Tuesday, Sept. 5.

James River has yet to play a game. The Knights will open the season tonight at Parry McCluer.