by Amy Davis

COURTLAND
The Lady Indians volleyball team defeated Park View in straight sets during Tuesday’s 3A Region Championship match. This was the fourth time the two teams have faced each other, and each time the Indians have been on top. Both teams will advance to the state playoffs beginning this Saturday. The Indians will face the runner-up for 3B Region Manassas Park, and Park View will travel to Warren County.

The game was truly a team effort by the Indians. Every single player helped seal the victory. Some standouts for the night included: Ashlyn Edwards had 1 ace, 4 kills and 10 assists; Madison Wright had 2 assists, 2 kills and 11 digs; Jacey Bunn had 21 digs; Madeline Burgess had 2 aces and 11 digs; Hannah Bradshaw had 1 ace and 4 kills; Jamey Bunn had 2 aces, 4 kills, 17 digs and 18 assists; and Emma Drake had 6 aces, 2 blocks, 9 digs, and 23 kills.

Something very special happened during the third set, Emma Drake entered the game with 983 career kills, and she had 16 combined kills after the first two sets.

The first point of the third set was scored by Emma Drake’s one-thousandth career kill. A timeout was called to celebrate her achievement.

Both teams, including Emma and the crowd, were a little confused by a timeout after the first point, but the audience quickly learned of her milestone kill and began cheering. Principal Allene Atkinson and Athletic Director Tim Mason helped present Emma with an award to commemorate her achievement.

This is the first regional championship for Southampton’s volleyball program and the first state bid as well. The girls are extremely excited and so very thankful to have the support of the students, staff and community behind them. The state quarterfinal match will begin at 2 p.m. in the Southampton High School gymnasium.

Everyone, come out and cheer on the Lady Indians.