Volleyball: Loudoun Valley Sweeps Colonial Forge

Special to VivaLoudoun.com By Carl Lukat
Loudoun Times-Mirror Sports Editor


Purcellville (Nov. 11, 2009) - A 17-5 run to close game one of Tuesday's AAA Northwest Region quarterfinal round match sent Loudoun Valley on its way to a 25-18, 30-28, 25-14 victory over Colonial Forge.

The Vikings (18-5) also rallied from a 15-8 deficit to win game two before cruising in the third and final game. Valley bounced back in a big way after having its 14-match winning streak snapped in a 3-0 loss to Heritage Nov. 5 in the Cedar Run tournament championship match.

Four seniors -- Nicole Bennett (29 assists), Morgan Clark (17 digs, nine kills), Lindsey Phipps (13 kills) and Kristen "K Mart" Martin (17 digs) -- paced Valley in Tuesday's sweep.

"We were very pleased with the way the girls played tonight," Viking coach Laird Johnson said. "We sat down and recommitted ourselves to the things we want to do. We had some good practices and got ourselves ready for what is ahead of us."

Valley is now one victory away from returning the AAA state tournament -- both region finalists advance to states with the region champion hosting a state quarterfinal match and the runner-up traveling to open the state playoffs.

The Vikings will host Forest Park in the region semifinals Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
The Bruins (22-2) defeated Franklin County in four games to reach the semis.
Forest Park swept Valley in a regular season match Sept. 5.

"We saw them earlier this season so we know a little bit about them and they know a little bit about us," Johnson said. "We've made a lot of adjustments since that time. I'm real confident that my team has improved. Hopefully, we'll be able to play well."

Read more of Carl Lukat's sports coverage in the Loudoun Times-Mirror! VivaLoudoun appreciates the opportunity to showcase Carl's writing and his fine photo work as well! Go to the Loudoun Times-Mirror website to view a full photo gallery from this match!