Volleyball: Different Jersey, Same Result for Stone Bridge

Photos courtesy of Carl Lukat/Loudoun Times-Mirror

By Carl Lukat
Loudoun Times-Mirror Sports Editor
Ashburn (Oct. 20, 2010) - The Stone Bridge High School volleyball team donned pink jerseys for their home match against Chantilly Tuesday as part of a Dig Pink event that raised awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Though the jerseys were different than their normal blue color scheme, the Bulldogs delivered a performance on the court that has become standard this season.

Stone Bridge overcame a strong challenge from Chantilly in each set to sweep the visiting Chargers 25-19, 25-18 and 25-23. The Bulldogs (16-1) closed the third set on a 10-5 run to erase an 18-15 deficit and complete their 13th sweep of the season.

"I was happy to walk away with a win," Stone Bridge coach Jill Raschiatore said. "It's always kind of crazy when it's Dig Pink day. It's very important that we recognize something bigger than ourselves and it's a great cause. But I worry sometimes that we lose focus. The girls didn't lose focus tonight, Chantilly just did a great job of mixing things up."

Sophomore outside hitter Ryan Ackermann led the Bulldogs' attack with 18 kills. Ackermann added eight digs and six service points. Senior outside hitter Christine Beckham slammed seven kills, served up four aces and made two blocks. Raschiatore credited the 6-foot, 2-inch Beckham for doing a "great job" defensively.

Senior libero Amy Christensen scooped up 14 digs, while senior setter Amanda Miller dished out 27 assists and added 10 digs. Miller, along with senior Vanessa Paige and sophomore Mariah Brantley each recorded eight service points. Paige also produced five kills and two blocks at the net. Sophomore Haley McClure slammed three kills and junior Chandi Chudasama had two kills.

Stone Bridge hosts an upstart Freedom squad on Oct. 20 before concluding its regular season with a pair of AAA Liberty District matches next week -- home against Madison on Oct. 26 and at Langley on Oct. 28. The Bulldogs, currently 5-0 in district play, can wrap up the Liberty's regular-season championship by winning both district matches.

"I'm worried about turning around and having to play Freedom tomorrow night. That is always scary coming off of a big match," Raschiatore said.

"Then, we have two district matches that are always tough. I know it is going to be Langley's senior night and they are going to be excited to play us. They are usually one of our better competitors. The season is going well but we do need to continue to improve and make sure we are peaking at the end."

Read more of Carl's great local sports coverage online at the Loudoun Times-Mirror.