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[Lynn Burke]

Grafton's girls loaded
By Hugh Spain | Correspondent

Grafton is a strong favorite to repeat as Bay Rivers District girls volleyball champs. But don't expect this team to become complacent under coach Dena Montini, who enters her ninth year with the Clippers.

"We don't ever want to get caught in a position where we are not prepared," Montini said.

Grafton returns all but one key player from the 2006 squad that lost a tight semifinal in the state Group AA playoffs to eventual champion Cave Spring. The Clippers have greater postseason aspirations for 2007.
But Grafton first will have to fend off an eager group of Bay Rivers foes that includes Jamestown, Lafayette, New Kent and Tabb.

Grafton's only district loss last season came to Jamestown, but the Eagles have to rebuild in 2007 after losing three seniors.

While Jamestown and others will rely on younger talent this season, Grafton returns proven seniors Alison Blasingame (6-foot-2 hitter) and Kellie Brumbaugh (5-foot-9 setter).

Both were first-team all-Region I selections in 2006, and Blasingame plans to extend her volleyball career at Virginia Tech in 2008.

"Alison is our offensive leader," Montini said, "while Kellie makes sure we take care of all of the little things."

In Peninsula District boys and girls volleyball, Menchville looks to continue its strong play in 2007. The Monarchs' boys will look to 6-foot-6 Cody Kennedy to dominate the front line.

Walsingham Academy will try to win its third straight Virginia Independent Schools Division II girls championship behind steady hitting from senior Hope Leatigaga.

Nansemond-Suffolk expects an outstanding year from outside hitter Minka Foster, a two-time TCIS player of the year. Meanwhile, Hampton Christian returns four starters from a state-tournament qualifying team, including all-state outside hitter Angi Highlander.

In Group A girls competition, Mathews again should be the local team to beat.


BAY RIVERS DISTRICT GIRLS

TEAMS TO WATCH: Jamestown, Lafayette, New Kent and Tabb.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Alison Blasingame, Grafton, Sr.; Kellie Brumbaugh, Grafton, Sr.; Rachel Day, New Kent, Sr.

GAMES TO WATCH: Grafton at New Kent, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.; Tabb at Grafton, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.; Grafton at Jamestown, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.; Jamestown at Grafton, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.


INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GIRLS

TEAMS TO WATCH: Walsingham Academy, Peninsula Catholic, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Hampton Christian, Denbigh Baptist Christian.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Hope Leatigaga, Walsingham, Sr.; Megan McWhorter, Peninsula Catholic, Sr.; Angi Highlander, Hampton Christian, Jr.; Minka Foster, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Sr.

GAMES TO WATCH: Peninsula Catholic at Hampton Christian, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m.; Denbigh Baptist at Peninsula Catholic, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m.; Walsingham at Peninsula Catholic, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m.; Nansemond-Suffolk Academy at Peninsula Catholic, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m.; TCIS tournament, Oct. 30, Nov. 1 and 3.