HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Shiflett, Brummette Shine For West In All-Star Game

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Paige Shifflett could hear it coming.

The Richlands High School graduate set her feet, positioned her hands and accepted the challenge.

Somehow, Shifflett was able to dig the jaw-dropping smash delivered by Villanova-bound Morgan Petkovich.

That sequence at Christopher Newport University displayed why Shifflett made school history by being selected to play in Wednesday’s VHSCA All-Star volleyball game.

“I don’t know of anyone from Richlands that’s had the opportunity to play in this game,” Shifflett said. “It was so much fun.”

Behind the towering Petkovich, the East posted its fourth straight win over the West with a 25-21, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18 decision.

Shifflett and Samantha Brummette of J.J. Kelly supplied their usual competitive fire, however.

“The East had some really good hitters, and I just did my best to dig the ball up,” said Shifflett, who contributed three digs, three service points and several crisp passes.

The Richlands star, who has signed to play volleyball at Concord, described her forceful encounter with Petkovich.

“Oh my, I’ve never had a ball hit that hard at me before,” Shifflett said. “If feels really good to be able to dig up a smash like that.
“It’s great preparation for college to see different playing styles, and especially to face a force of nature.”

Brummette faced many tests as a four-sport athlete at Kelly. Wednesday’s exam offered more of the same as Brummette supplied six digs and two service points despite playing a new position.

“My life centered on sports during high school, and that will probably continue in college,” Brummette said. “I don’t like to take time off. I just love competition.”

Brummette accumulated over 1,722 career assists at Kelly en route to being selected as the Lonesome Pine District Setter of the Year twice.

“Even though I didn’t get to set in this game, I got some experience playing on the backrow and facing some hard-hitting opponents,” Brummette said.

Brummette plans to focus solely on volleyball at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Two other Virginia-Wise recruits, middle hitter Mikaela Anders and versatile Megan Funk from Grayson County, played for the West Wednesday. Each player collected two kills, with Funk earning a starting role.

The match was also a showcase for an Emory & Henry recruit. In one of the biggest coups in program history, six-foot-two Rachel Fertitta from Roanoke-Northside decided to play at the NCAA Division III level for E&H coach Cassie Pochyla.

“I could have gone [NCAA] Division I for basketball and volleyball, but two of my really good friends are going to Emory and I wanted to go with them,” Fertitta said. “I like the coach and the school.”
Fertitta started at middle hitter Wednesday, finishing with three kills and five blocks for the West.

“I felt that I could have put up a stronger block and had more hits, but I had fun,” Fertitta said.

No player had more fun than the dynamic Shifflett, who smiled throughout the day while encouraging her teammates. A three-year starter at Richlands, Shifflett led the Blues with over 250 digs as a senior.

Shifflett credited a trip to Hawaii last July to play in the King Kamehameha Volleyball Classic for helping her reach Hampton.

“I think players from 42 states were represented in Hawaii, and the entire week helped me to improve my skills,” Shifflett said. “I’ve had a great time playing high school volleyball. I really hope my experience can encourage other volleyball players from Richlands.”

Middle hitter Bianca Richardson (Colonial Forge) was tabbed as the West MVP.
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