Middlesex girls open tournament play
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| Kelsey Hainley (left) and Hayley Guess attempt to block a Mathews shot in last week’s loss to the regular season champion Blue Devils. The Tidewater District Tournament begins today, November 5, at Mathews. Second-seeded Middlesex plays third-seeded West Point at 5:30 p.m. The championship match follows. (Photo by Tom Chillemi) |
Middlesex lost at Mathews 25-17, 25-15 and 25-13 in its regular season finale.
The Tidewater District tournament is Thursday, November 5, at Mathews.
Top-seeded Mathews plays fourth-seeded King William at 4 p.m. and second-seeded Middlesex plays third-seeded West Point at 5:30 p.m. The championship match will be played 20 minutes after the second semifinal ends.
Middlesex swept West Point in 3 games early in the season, but took 4 games to defeat the Lady Pointers on October 15.
Lady Chargers were strong at times this year, said coach Jennifer Harrow. “But, we just didn’t play together as a team. I’m not sure exactly what happens when we play Mathews, but the girls just seem to freeze. They play a different game with all other teams.
“I only wish they could see the potential and talent that I see in them every day and bring it up against Mathews,” said Harrow. “Mathews seems to have a strong defense, but that is only because we haven’t given them our best offense yet.”
Harrow said her team is healthy. “Finally, for the first time this season, all 14 of my girls are cleared from their doctors to play without restrictions. We just need to stay that way and play strong in the tournament.”
The Region A volleyball tournament begins on Monday, November 9, on the home courts of the highest seeds and concludes on Saturday, November 14, at King William High School. Times were not available, but matches usually start at 6 p.m.
In the loss to Mathews, Jillien Puster had a strong hitting night, and Chelsea Lewter, Maggie Hall and Megan Payne hustled on defense.
