The Shadow
LYNCHBURG – Despite the magic run that Rockbridge County went on as the No. 11 seed in the Class 3, Region C volleyball playoff tournament, No. 1 Liberty Christian Academy and No. 2 Alleghany, the two best teams of the region, were destined to meet in the finals.
Both teams entered the regional finals having not lost in nearly two months, but it was on this night on Wednesday that belonged to the Bulldogs as they won the regional championship over the Cougars in four sets: 25-18, 18-25, 25-18, 25-18.
LCA headed into the regional tournament as the No. 1 seed and earned one of the four byes after a 21-1 regular season and a Seminole District championship. The Bulldogs hot streak continued in their win over Alleghany as LCA won their 18th straight victory.
Senior Kaiya Lian led the way for Alleghany with 17 kills and 13 digs. Senior Laken Tinger had eight kills and three blocks, while Senior Bryce Leitch and sophomore Kendra Dressler each had eight digs. Dressler also dished out 29 assists. Senior Jayahna Hughes and junior Kylie Forbes each added seven digs.
The ball handling for LCA was tough to match as the duo pair of junior Kenstin Phelps (17) and senior Carley Clinton (16) combined for 33 assists in their regional victory. Phelps also had 16 kills and 11 digs. Junior Evie Ballengee had 11 kills and three blocks, while junior Emily Cook had eight kills, and Meagan Johnson added 13 digs and six assists.
Despite the loss for Alleghany (24-4), the Cougars and LCA (24-1) both earned trips to the Class 3 State Tournament. The loss though for AHS snapped a 13-match win streak. September 21st had previously been the last time the Cougars lost a match, which came against E.C. Glass during an in-season tournament.
