By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
Volleyball is a sport in which Fluvanna County High has been successful over the years. A number of Fluco kill shot specialists have gone on to play at the college level. This year, Coach Christi Harlowe-Garrett will have to find a way to overcome the loss of two talented kill shot front line hitters. Sophia Denby and Khania Brassfield have graduated.
However, a number of very competent players return. Kayla Gentry who played very well on the front line in 2021 will be back for her senior year. Also returning are senior Faith Shields, senior Shelby Crawford, junior Isabell Garrett and junior Emma Abel. Returning in the important libero position is sophomore Jillian Davis. Davis played this position extremely well in 2021 as a freshman, which is quite unusual.
The libero position is a back line defensive position. The libero is not allowed to hit the ball above the net, so no kill shots or blocks. The libero is required to wear a different colored shirt from her teammates so the officials can identify her easily. This position is usually played by a shorter, quicker player and the libero is often the team leader. Accordingly, it is unusual to have a freshman in this position. Harlowe-Garrett will also have a number of new players on her roster including, Alley Barnett, Brenna Rea, Molly McCall and Sierra Krett.
The Fluco volleyballers have played a couple of scrimmages, but their regular season opens on Aug. 25, when they host Chancellor High School. On Aug. 27 The Flucos host the Tom Farruggio Annual Volleyball Invitational which will bring in a number of teams from around the area. The start time will be 9 a.m. On Aug. 30, the Flucos travel to Nelson County. They then head to Chancellor High School on Sept. 6 for a rematch of their opener. On Sept. 8, they host Nelson County. After that, they have 14 matches against the Jefferson District schools, beginning on Sept.13 with Louisa County and ending on Oct. 27 at Albemarle High School.
High school volleyball is a fast and exciting sport when two evenly matched teams are facing each other. A point is scored on every serve and the serve goes back and forth quickly. To win the match, a team must win three games. If the teams have won two games each, a fifth quick and decisive game is played to 15 points.
