Raiders Reach State Final Again

Go for Second Straight Title Saturday

By Matthew Stanmyre

Friday, November 14, 2008

RICHMOND — When the Loudoun County volleyball team strolled into Siegel Center early Friday, it was almost like walking into their own gymnasium back in Leesburg. Many of the players knew where to find their locker room, how to get to the training room and what it would be like to play under the blaring lights on center court.

"We like Richmond. I consider Richmond home," said Loudoun County Coach Jenica Matthias, who brought her team here for the Virginia AA state semifinals for the third straight season.

There were also eight bus loads worth of screaming Raiders fans packed into the bleachers to witness second-ranked Loudoun County’s thorough 25-17, 25-14, 16-25, 25-16 victory over fourth-ranked Chancellor. The win earned the Raiders their third straight trip to the state championship match, which will be played back the Siegel Center on Saturday.

"Having the fans here made it like home for me," Loudoun County setter Kerry Sarver said. "It was funny to see the reaction when we walked in. Everyone was so excited."

Loudoun County (26-1), the defending AA champion, has compiled an 81-4 record the past three seasons. The Raiders have four players — Sarver, outside hitter Juliane Hanna, middle hitter Shaylin O’Connell and setter Katie Martin — who have been on the team each year during that stretch.

Loudoun County used its experience to pounce on Chancellor (24-3), which made its first state semifinal appearance since 2001. While beating some of Virginia’s finest AAA schools this season — Forest Park, Colonial Forge and AAA semifinalist Chantilly, among others — Chargers Coach Rod Crooks applauded his players’ inability to be rattled by any opponent. But even Crooks appeared mystified during a timeout in the second game, when he shrugged his shoulders and asked his players what was wrong.

The answer: Loudoun County’s machine-like play across the court. The Raiders sent spikes across from all angles, whether it was O’Connell (14 kills), Hanna (12), Rochelle Latka (nine) or a handful of others swatting the ball. Loudoun County blocked shots with fervor, dug out Chancellor’s hardest hits and did it all with a sense of ease.

"To come out on the biggest stage and perform like that, I don't have an answer," said Crooks, whose team had its 22-match winning streak snapped. "It’s beyond me. I've never seen them play that way. I don't think they can figure it out. I can't figure it out. I've never seen them in a practice or a game play the way they played."

Notes: Loudoun County will face Hidden Valley Saturday at 3 p.m. at Siegel Center in the Virginia AA championship. ... Chancellor middle hitter Kelli Carneal, the Battlefield District player of the year, and outside hitter Seth Sullivan each went over the 300-kill plateau for their careers. Sullivan led the Chargers with 11 kills against Loudoun County, while Carneal added seven.

Loudoun County Stats vs. Chancellor:

Shaylin O'Connell (15 kills, 8 blocks, 2 digs)

Juliane Hanna (13 kills, 9 digs, 8 points, 2 blocks)

Rochelle Latka (8 kills, 5 blocks, 4 digs)

Katie Gloe (7 kills, 7 digs, 3 blocks, 9 points)

Rachel Arigo (5 kills, 3 blocks)

Emily Vandegrift (2 kills, 5 blocks)

Robin Marsala (28 assists, 10 digs, 11 points)

Kerry Sarver (17 assists, 6 digs, 7 points)

Kathleen Horvath (19 digs, 5 points)

Hannah Arnold (7 points, 4 digs)

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks