Twin Springs Wins Cumberland District Volleyball Match, Sets Up Rematch With Rye Cove

BY ALLEN GREGORY
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
CASTLEWOOD, Va. – Britney Salyer is one of the youngest head coaches in the state of Virginia. The 22-year-old leader of the Twin Springs volleyball team is paying her dues in a hurry, however.

Salyer guided her team to a wild 29-27, 25-23, 14-25, 23-25, 15-12 decision over Castlewood in Monday’s opening round of the Cumberland District tournament.

The debut season for Salyer gets even more interesting Wednesday as Twin Springs (4-17) faces traditional power, and Scott County neighbor, Rye Cove in the second round. Salyer played on two state title teams at Rye Cove. Charity Lawson, the younger sister of Salyer, is a current star at Rye Cove.

“I can’t go home very much right now because of the rivalry at the dinner table,” Salyer said. “I like what I’m doing, though.”

Salyer starred in volleyball and softball at the University of the Virginia’s College at Wise after graduating from Rye Cove. She credits her intensive prep volleyball background with Rye Cove coaches Donnie Qualls and Greg Gilliam for the smooth transition into coaching.

“Coach Qualls and Coach Gillian taught me everything I know about volleyball,” Salyer said. “Rye Cove is a very good program, but I still hope we win.”

Coeburn and Thomas Walker are tentatively set to play in Wednesday’s opening semifinal game at 7 p.m., but that schedule could change due to Wednesday’s Region D cross country meet.

Senior Ashley McConnnell led Twin Springs Monday with 17 kills, 23 assists and 16 digs. Seniors Jennifer Devine (14 kills, 31 digs), Brandy Hillman (five blocks, 12 kills, 18 digs) and Ashley Parks (22 digs) also played well for the Titans.

“This win means a lot to these seniors,” Salyer said. “They are finally getting to play and see what it’s all about.”

Youth was the issue for Castlewood. The Blue Devils rallied in the third game as sophomore middle hitter Ali Ring (eight blocks, 22 kills) began to take control of the net, but it was too late.

Castlewood and Twin Springs split a pair of matches in the regular season.

“None of these girls had ever played on the varsity before this season,” Castlewood coach Kristy Sparks said.  “We thought we were prepared for this match, but we were a little flat in the first two games. That’s the story of our season. It’s been a like a rollercoaster for us.”

Sophomore Haley Gilbert supplied 13 kills and 14 points for Castlewood, while senior Kristin Johnson (28 assists, 10 points) and Danielle Jessee (16 points) also played well.

Salyer, the career digs leader at Virginia-Wise, is eager for Wednesday’s showdown with her old school.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Salyer said. “We’ve had our ups and downs this season, but I think we’re starting to peak a little bit now and put on the pressure on some of the top teams.
“If we play our game, we can beat anybody.”

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