PREP VOLLEYBALL: Radford ends Chilhowie's season

By: Tim Hayes | Bristol Herald Courier
Published: November 13, 2009

CHILHOWIE, Va. – Once again, the Three Rivers District washed away the title hopes of a volleyball team from the Hogoheegee District.

Behind the play of 6-foot junior Maryah Sydnor, TRD member Radford rolled to a 19-25, 25-12, 25-12, 25-17 win over Chilhowie in the opening round of the Region C tournament on Thursday night.

Radford (15-7) advances to Saturday’s semifinals at Parry McCluer High School. Three Rivers District champion Auburn is also in the semifinals after ending Hogoheegee District tournament champion Northwood’s season on Wednesday.

Last season, Hogoheegee members George Wythe and Northwood were eliminated from the regional tourney by TRD teams.

“It’s a very tough district,” Sydnor said. “Playing the Auburns and Glenvars, I think that helps us prepare for the postseason.”

It looked like Chilhowie (18-4) might end that trend, playing aggressively and winning the first game. The Warriors jumped out to a 9-2 en route to taking the opening game.

“I think in the first game, we were just so pumped up on adrenaline that we just couldn’t focus straight,” said Sydnor, who finished with 19 kills and six blocks. “Then we settled
down after that.”

Radford dominated the final three games. The key for the Bobcats was making extended scoring runs whenever Chilhowie star hitter Krystal Patton rotated to the back row.

“That’s what we were looking to do,” Sydnor said. “She’s an amazing hitter and we just tried to keep hands in her face. We knew she was going to get her kills, I mean she has 30-
some a [match].”

Patton finished with 24 kills, nine digs and four blocks in her final prep match, but it wasn’t enough.

“It was very frustrating, because we wanted it so bad,” Patton said. “[Sydnor’s] one of the best hitters that we’ve hit against. She could pick a spot on the floor and knew it was going
there.”

Haley Dietz (12 kills), Lindsey Smith (36 assists) and Blair Holbrook (21 digs) also played well for Radford.

Chilhowie, the Hogoheegee regular season champion, received strong performances from senior setter Shannon Howell (20 assists), Kelsey Wilkenson (17 assists, 13 service points) and Lynsey Taylor (15 digs).

However, Radford was just too tough.

“They were good,” said Chilhowie coach Laura Robinson said “[Sydnor] can really hit that ball.”

thayes@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2570