The Salem girls saw their volleyball season come to an end with a loss to Western Albemarle in the Region 4D tournament last week. The girls made the semifinal round and finished one win away from a trip to the state tournament.
Western Albemarle hosted the match in Crozet and won in three sets, with two being decided by two points. The Warriors won the first set, 25-23, then took the second, 25-16. The third went extra points before the home team prevailed, 27-25.
Kai Bowen led Salem with seven kills while Ella Walker had six kills and two blocks. Reese Redford had six kills and 20 digs and Myah Crews had 15 digs. The loss ended Salem’s season with a 12-10 overall record.
“We had a season of tremendous growth for our program this year,” said coach Beth Denton. “For our seniors it was the first time they ever beat Northside and Patrick Henry. In fact, we were undefeated in non-district play. Our only losses came from district teams, and this just shows you how strong the River Ridge District is.”
Salem will graduate six seniors, Walker, Redford, Bowen, Mia Esworthy, Autumn Bailey and Sydney Price. Ella and Reese were named to the 2nd All-District River Ridge Team. Bowen, sophomore libero Crews and junior setter Makenzie Board made the Honorable Mention All-District team.
“This team has been very special,” said Denton. “ Their friendships have grown since seventh grade volleyball at Andrew Lewis. They are fantastic students, leaders and teammates. Our coaching staff has grown very close to all of these young ladies and we are so proud of their hard work throughout the season. We are absolutely excited about the direction that Salem Volleyball is moving.”
