Fort still perfect in district

STAUNTON — Fort Defiance is on top of its game right now, and are playing together as a team at an important stage of the season. The Indians showed their skill making quick work of Robert E. Lee on Tuesday night, defeating the Lee Ladies in three games 25-11, 25-19, 25-21 in Southern Valley District volleyball action.

Fort (8-1, 5-0 Southern Valley) coach Lynn Alexander thought it would be key for her team to win the match in three games.

“I thought it was important that we finished out the match in three games,” Alexander said. “We have had problems all year finishing teams out, and I thought we did a great job tonight of keeping our focus.”

Game 1 turned out to be a disaster for the Lee Ladies. They made many mistakes and the Indians were able to capitalize. Fort jumped out to an 8-1 lead and never looked back, taking the game 25-11.

In Game 2, the Lee Ladies regrouped and played a competitive game with the Indians. The two key net players for both teams brought their best. Katie Dunsmore for the Indians and Kendra Scott for the Lee Ladies went back-and-forth all night sparking energy into each of their teams.

“Everyone was doing their part. Our hitters did their job and our setters did theirs,” Dunsmore stated. “It was a total team effort tonight. We have to play as a team in order to reach our ultimate goal.”

Dunsmore and the Indians were able to get the best of the Lee Ladies in Game 2 with a final score of 25-19. Lee had the lead at 8-7 to start the game, but the Indians, with their senior leadership, crawled back and were able to push ahead late when it mattered winning 25-19.

The Lee Ladies had total control of Game 3 and had numerous leads, but once again Fort was able to push ahead for the final time, taking the game 25-21.

“We played a team game tonight. Everyone was working together,” Alexander said. “Lee was the last team we hadn’t played in our district yet. I thought they played us really tough and they will be even better come next week. We will have to focus even harder when we face them again.”

Dunsmore lead the Indians with 11 kills and Becca Houff added 18 digs in the sweep. Jordan Leake chipped in with 32 assists. Morgan Bell paced the Indians with 18 service points.

Lee (2-9, 0-5 Southern Valley) coach Ruth Shaia thought her team came out a bit slow, but really played with a lot of emotion in Games 2 and 3.

“We were not focused and made a lot of mistakes in Game 1,” said Shaia. “We played better in Games 2 and 3 and it showed. The girls really wanted to win and played to the level that I think they are capable of every night.”