Players and coach win honors
By Duncan Nixon
In the first round of the Region 3C volleyball playoffs, the Flucos hosted the Monticello Mustangs.
In an exciting, tight match, the Mustangs prevailed.
The Flucos won the first game 25-20. With the score even at 18-18, sophomore Peyton Baber took over for the Flucos. With three kills and a service ace, she helped the Flucos climb to a 23-20 lead. Junior Avery Melton served for the last two points to give the Flucos the 25-20 win.
The Mustangs were tough. Fluco coach Aime McCall described their play as “gritty.” It looked like the Flucos might make it a quick night when they led 16-10 in the second game, but the Mustangs came back to win 25-19 and tie the match.
In the third game, after a 6-6 start, the Flucos seemed unable to get things right. After a very long rally, the Mustangs won the point and took a nearly insurmountable 19-10 lead. The teams traded points, and the Mustangs won the crucial third game 25-14.
In an extremely close fourth game, the teams were tied at 6-6, 16-16, and 21-21. The Flucos scored four of the last six points for a 25-23 win, forcing a fifth and deciding game. Sophomore Norah Ferrell stood out in the fourth game with several kills.
The fifth game started well for the Flucos but ended poorly. The deciding game is played to only 15 points, so a strong start is usually crucial. The Flucos jumped to a 7-3 lead. Kills by sophomore Annaly Correa and Baber helped the Flucos take an 11-8 lead. Unfortunately, the Mustangs went on a seven-point run to win 15-11 and end the Flucos’ season.
Despite the loss, it was an extremely good year for Fluco volleyball.
The season started with a lot of unknowns. Star hitter Molly McCall had gone on to play at the Division I level, and longtime, highly successful coach Christi Harlowe had retired. The 12-player roster included only two seniors, five sophomores, and a freshman.
No problems. Aime McCall, Molly’s mom, took the reins and led the Flucos to a 19-6 record and a Region 3C playoff berth.
The Jefferson District recently announced its first and second teams, honorable mentions, and top libero. In volleyball, teams have six players on the court at once. The Flucos showed their considerable depth with seven players earning district honors.
Sophomores Norah Ferrell and Peyton Baber were named to the All-Jefferson District first team. Sophomores Annaly Correa and Sydney Gentry were named to the second team. Junior Grace Davis and senior Alyssa Lewis received honorable mention. Junior Charlotte Gifford was named top libero. Last but not least, McCall was named Coach of the Year.
