The Lord Botetourt volleyball team will be looking for a fourth straight Class 3 state championship this week when the fall season finally opens. The girls were scheduled to host William Byrd on Tuesday in the Virginia High School League’s COVID fall season.
It’s going to be tough for the girls to repeat, despite an influx of talent from the strong jayvee teams of the past two years. Botetourt had two four-year varsity seniors on last year’s team, outside hitter Miette Veldman and libero Kenleigh Gunter. Senior Jordyn Kepler, a three-year starter, left LB with the school career record for assists, and Botetourt benefited when Taylor Robertson, a UNC-Greensboro signee, transferred in from Cave Spring for her senior year. Taylor played with Miette in travel ball and added a second big hitter on the front row.
Veldman was the Blue Ridge District, Region 3D and state Player of the Year and no one would argue she’s the best volleyball player in LB history as she continues her career at James Madison University.
Obviously, that’s a lot of firepower to replace. Seniors on this year’s team include Parker Hudson, Annelise Wolf and Hailey Deter. Coach Julie Conner has nine juniors who hope to get LB back into the state picture. Included are Kinsey Goodman, Rylee White, Ayna Bratic, Julianna Stephenson, Anna Dewease, Olivia Griffin, Claire Dozier, Sydney Whorley and Bri Wissemann. One sophomore, Nora Spickard, made the varsity.
After Tuesday’s opener the Cavaliers will be at Staunton River on Thursday of this week.
“We are excited for the opportunity to play and looking forward to our season,” said Conner.
