Volleyball Spikes Their Way to the Top

Jacob Melton, Sports Editor

The Lady Raider Volleyball team finished their 2017 season as the district champions. With a district tournament appearance every year for the last five years and one district championship title in 2015, the Lady Raiders are champs once again.

When asked about preseason thoughts regarding a district championship title, team captain Tyana Fenton immediately responded, “Definitely, we wanted it.”  Head coach Andrew Taylor had positive thoughts as well. “I thought we could win it. The manner in which we won it surprised me a little bit. We just swept through the semi finals without losing a set. We swept through the championship and didn’t lose a set. I thought we were capable of winning it, but I didn’t know we would dominate like we did,” said Coach Taylor. The scores for each set were, 25-20, 25-16, and finally 25-10.

The team faced many obstacles this year due to injuries and the inexperience of a young team. The only two returning starters from last year were Alliyah Williams and Tyana Fenton. “We came closer as a team over the course of the season. We came in and improved everyday. Our chemistry improved and individual skill improved; that’s what helped us get over the edge,” said Coach Taylor. “Our communication and positivity really helped us this year. Our team has a loving family-like bond which also really helped.” Fenton added.  

The Lady Raider Volleyball team finished out their season with a 19-23 record. This was the kind of season that not only seniors, but the team as a whole, can look back on with pride.