By Jimmy Thomas
Content Editor, DigitalSports.com
With players like Megan Shifflett and Lisa Scott of Langley, Kelly Brugger of Centreville and Vicki Chung of Chantilly graduated, the door is open for some fresh faces to appear this season in the chase for the Northern Region volleyball crown.
Stuart Coach Sharon Ponton, for example, graduated only two players and is looking to put the Raiders on the map for the first time in school history.
“Six years ago when [Stuart] started its volleyball program the current seniors were in seventh grade,” Ponton said. “In six short years all of these girls have worked hard to put together one of the most competitive programs in the district and maybe even the region.”
Another team looking to build off some late-season heroics a year ago — and make a run at this year’s Concorde District championship — is Fairfax.
“We really push for a high level of competitiveness, skill and conditioning,” said Rebels’ Coach Christine Zanellato, whose team upset three-time Concorde District champion Centreville to spoil its Senior Night celebration last season. “These girls have really stepped up their practice level. They play very hard and have an uncanny ability to focus. We are not a big team so we stress, its not how big you are its how big you play on the court.”
Fairfax, which is fresh off a 4-0 performance in their first-ever Richmond Showcase tournament, is led by senior outside hitter Theresa Harvey, a two-sport star who will be swimming and playing volleyball for Iona College next fall. Harvey was named to the showcase’s all-tournament team.
“She is an unbelievable athlete,” Zanellato said. “And she brings a level of intensity and unmatched competitiveness.”
With Centreville, Chantilly and Westfield already established contenders, the race for this year’s Concorde District championship should be interesting to say the least.
“As long as we play hard and play at the level they are capable of I am happy,” Zanellato said. “I think we can play with anyone.”
Key Losses
Megan Shifflett (LG) — 1st team all-met, 2-time Northern Region Player of the Year; Lisa Scott (LG) — 2nd team all-met; Kelly Brugger (CV) — honorable mention all-met; Kelsey Maloney (WF) — honorable mention all-met; Vicki Chung (CH) — honorable mention all-met.
Players to Watch
Logan Sebastian (LG) — honorable mention all-met, committed to University of Delaware; Lily Vera (SB) — honorable mention all-met; Sammy Spees (WF) — honorable mention all-met; Elyse Bush (YK); Elysse Richardson (LG); Sarah Norton (SB); Leigh Blair (WP); Jessie Kolden (HF); Lauren Sipple (WS); Corey Haynes (ST); Ariell Thompson (ED); Theresa Harvey (FX); Susie Murach (RB).
Teams to Watch
Concorde: Chantilly — 2007 Northern Region runner-up and Concorde District tournament champion; Centreville — Three-time Concorde District regular-season champion and region semifinalist; Fairfax.
Liberty: Stone Bridge — Returns most of its starters, including standout setter Lily Vera; Langley — Defending Northern Region champion and Virginia AAA state runner-up; Madison.
National: Yorktown — Returns most of its starters ,including Elyse Bush; Stuart — Coming off its first regional berth in school history; Edison — Defending National District champion.
Patriot: West Springfield, South County, Hayfield.
Games to Watch
Madison @ Chantilly, Sept. 3; West Springfield @ Yorktown, Sept. 4; Centreville @ Stone Bridge, Sept. 9; Westfield @ Langley, Sept. 22; Stuart @ Yorktown, Sept. 22; South County @ West Springfield, Oct. 13; Chantilly @ Fairfax, Oct. 14; Westfield @ Chantilly, Oct. 16; Stone Bridge @ Langley, Oct. 23.