The William Byrd volleyball team only lost one set in four matches as they claimed the “Diggin’ at the Dog Pound” tournament championship last Saturday at William Byrd High School. The Terriers picked up four wins on the day in the annual tournament for varsity teams.
“I’m so proud of the girls for their hard work, dedication and grit,” said Byrd coach Allison Thornton. “Lots of games and a long day, but they really pulled together and it was so fun to watch.”
Byrd opened the round robin with a 25-7, 25-12 win over Roanoke Catholic in the first match of the day at 9 am. The followed with a 25-17, 25-17 win over Floyd, then earned a spot in the championship match by defeating Magna Vista, 25-22, 25-12. That set up a rematch with Floyd for the championship at 5:15 pm and the Buffaloes jumped to an early lead with a 25-22 win in the first set. However, the Byrd girls regrouped and won the next two, 25-16 and 15-10 to take first place in the tournament.
Byrd’s Terran Brown finished the four matches with a team high 32 kills. Carsyn Kotz had 53 assists and six aces while Raelyn Lancaster had a great all-around day with 22 kills and 33 service attempts at 97 percent for the day. Ella Ashworth had eight aces and 23 digs and Emily Tuck finished with 39 digs.
After a couple days rest the Terriers were right back at it Tuesday with a Blue Ridge District match at Lord Botetourt. Byrd dropped to 7-4 on the season and 1-1 in the BRD with a three-set loss to LB, 25-22, 25-17 and 25-14.
Kotz had 24 assists and three aces in this one while Lancaster had eight kills and three blocks. Brown led the net play with 12 kills and Ella Ashworth had 24 digs.
The girls are back home tonight to host Staunton River in a district match and it’s “Tiny Terrier Night.” The girls who attended the summer camp are invited to attend and will be introduced at the match.
“They’re the future of our program,” said Thornton.