Carter, Drewry dig long, long win in VHSCA volleyball

Carter Drewry

NEWPORT NEWS -- The biggest surprise at yesterday's Virginia High School Coaches Association all-star showcase was that a volleyball match broke out.

A traditionally one-sided affair, the annual match went to five games for the first time since 1995, and each game was decided by the minimum two points, including one that went well into the thirties.

The day ended with the East squad, led by Mills Godwin coach Jason Garrett, edging out the West team 24-26, 36-34, 26-24, 23-25, 15-13.

"It was good, since it wasn't like a three-and-out match," Cosby's Mallory Carter said. "It was really intense, and that made it fun and interesting."

The game was played on campus at Christopher Newport in front of a crowd that got progressively more excited as the game went on.

Carter and Godwin's Liz Drewry represented the Central Region and played for the East team, which protected its five-year winning streak. New Kent's Ashton Wallace also played for the East.

A pattern quickly was established where the East would fall behind early in the game, then rally to force extra points. It was down by at least five points in each of the first four games. Miscommunication plagued the team early, but its talent shone through late.

"I was very happy it was competitive," Garrett said. "Considering that many of these kids haven't played volleyball in at least a month, I was very impressed with the effort."

Just how close the game was registered as a shock for some of the players. Not for Drewry, though, who had played club ball with many of her opponents.

The future Francis-Marion player said that a strong contingent from Roanoke helped boost the West team this year.

"I think the teams were pretty even, which made it a good match," she said.

In the decisive fifth game, the score was tied 13-13 before the East won the final two points to claim victory.

The game MVP awards went to Kelli Carneal of Chancellor for the East team, and Laura Gomez of Albemarle on the West squad.

As the game ended, so did the high school playing careers for the seniors -- and based on how long the game went, they were happy to extend it a little while longer.

Contact Michael Phillips at (804) 649-6546 or .