Volleyball Falls in Season Opener

Virginia Peninsula Community College's women's volleyball team opened its first season in the NJCAA with a tough three-set loss to Bryant & Stratton College on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

After taking a 23-22 lead in the first set, the Gators gave up the next three points to lose 25-22. In the second set, the Gators led early but fell 25-17 after staving off one set point. Set three also was close, with the Gators trailing just 19-14 before losing 25-16.

"We hung with them, especially in that first set," said Gators Coach Tommy Thomas.

They struggled with their serve, committing 14 service errors.

"I think we are going to spend two hours at our next practice on serving," he said.

Kingsleigh Guinn (Kecoughtan HS) had 10 kills and seven aces for the Gators, Ashleigh Yost (Smithfield HS) added seven kills, seven aces and nine digs, and Molly Grazier (Kaufman HS in Texas) had six kills and five aces. Berkeley Stenger (Peninsula Catholic HS) contributed 28 assists, and Ella McConnell (Smithfield HS) had six digs.

Overall, Thomas was pleased with his team's performance. Despite having just one sub, fatigue wasn't a factor for the Gators.

"I knew it wouldn't be," he said. "I work them pretty hard in practice. We are going almost the whole time. They know what to expect."

The Gators return to action Friday, Aug. 30, against Patrick & Henry Community College at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. The match starts at 6 p.m. They also are at home Tuesday, Sept. 3, against Mid-Atlantic Christian University, also starting at 6 p.m. at the Boo Williams Sportsplex.

For more information on the College, visit www.vpcc.edu.