The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany varsity volleyball team enters the 2025 season coming off an impressive 24-5 overall record and an 11-1 mark in regional play. But this fall, the program will navigate a wave of change. The Cougars graduated six seniors, including powerhouse players Laken Tingler, Bryce Leitch, Kaiya Lian, Savanna Cash, and Jayahna Hughes. Leitch and Lian, in particular, were dominant forces at the net and on the court last season, and their absence will leave big shoes to fill.
Adding to the challenge, Alleghany moves into a new district — one expected to bring tougher, more competitive matches throughout the schedule. The program will be lead by longtime head coach Charles Leitch at the helm.
Returning standouts Kylie Forbes, Nevaeh Forbes, Lainie McCormick, and Alaina McCormick, all of whom made significant impacts in 2024, are poised to lead the way. Their experience will be critical as the team adjusts to its new district slate.
Alleghany’s first live test comes in a preseason scrimmage against Northside High School. The Vikings finished last season at 6-19 overall and 4-6 in the region, losing only two seniors to graduation. With a strong returning core, Northside is expected to be a tougher opponent this year, bringing last season’s momentum into the 2025 campaign.The Cougars will aim to set the tone early, using the scrimmage to fine-tune rotations, build chemistry, and see how their new-look lineup stacks up against outside competition before the season officially begins.
The Cougars will host Northside at Alleghany on Thursday August 14th.
