The Glenvar and Salem volleyball teams scrimmaged each other on Tuesday as they prepare for the coming season. The Highlanders will open next Monday at home against Auburn and Salem will host Roanoke Catholic on Wednesday, August 25.
Glenvar is coming off a strong season under coach Mark Rohrback, who rejoined the team for his third stint as head coach. The Highlanders were undefeated before being upset by Giles in the Region 2C semifinals last season, played in the spring after the fall season was postponed due to COVID. Glenvar graduated three seniors from that team.
The Highlanders have a 10 player varsity this year with six juniors returning from the spring season, middle hitters Sydney Loder and Rhyan Harris, outside hitters Hannah Hylton and Claire Griffith and defensive specialists Faren Wilson and Cara Butler. Also returning to the team after taking the spring season off are senior outside hitter Bailey Conner and sophomore setter Audrey Conner.
Natalie McMahon has moved up from setting and hitting outside for the jayvee team last year as a freshman to this year’s Varsity team. Sophomore middle hitter Daisy Ann Dawyot has transferred in from Salem.
“I expect all 10 players to be outstanding players and contribute to the success of the team,” said Rohrback.
Salem will scrimmage in the Rockbridge Jamboree on Saturday at Rockbridge County High School. The event will include over 20 teams.
Spartan coach Beth Denton returns two seniors, Emma Johnson and Kennedy Scales. Also returning are juniors Kai Bowen, Ella Walker and Reese Redford along with sophomore setter Anne Hayden Hall.
The Spartans will play a majority of their home games at Andrew Lewis Middle School this year due to construction at Salem High and repairs to the gym floor. One game, on September 2nd, will be played at South Salem Elementary School.
