The William Byrd girls saw their volleyball season come to an end in
Hillsville Saturday when the Terriers lost to Carroll County. The host Cavaliers
took a three set win over Byrd, 25-16, 25-11 and 25-20.
Bella Dudley led the Terriers against Carroll with five kills, three digs and
a pair of blocks. Heidi Dixon had four kills and 10 digs and Graysen Divers had
four blocks at the net.
“Our 2024 season came to an end on Saturday after playing a
tough Carroll County team,” said coach Allison Thornton. “Although the
scoreboard wasn’t in our favor, I am proud of the hard work and effort
given on the court. We set personal and team goals for the season and
would reflect every couple of weeks with our sticker boards to see if our
goals were being met. It allowed us time for measurements and what we
need to continue to work on.”
With the loss Byrd ended the season with a 10-13 record. Byrd had one of
the toughest, if not THE toughest, non-district schedules in the state with matches
against defending state champ Hidden Valley, 19-3 Christiansburg, Class 4 Salem
and E.C. Glass and perennially strong Class 3 teams Cave Spring and Magna
Vista.
The Terriers finished third in the Blue Ridge District behind 21-1 Lord
Botetourt and Class 5 Franklin County. After Lord Botetourt defeated Franklin
County in the BRD final last week the all-district team was announced and Byrd
was well represented with first team selections senior Ava Ashworth and junior
Dudley. Second team honors went to seniors Raelyn Lancaster and Kaylee
Makuch and sophomores Maggie Zimmerman and Dixon.
“Although we have lost six seniors, I am excited about the success
we will see from our returning players and some great talent coming up
from the jayvee team,” said Thornton. “After a short break, we will get
back to work for our 2025 season.”
