Thomas Dale tops Deep Run in meeting of volleyball powers

The Thomas Dale High School Knights boys’ volleyball team is the reigning region and Group AAA state champion. Tonight the Knights served notice that they are gunning for another title with a victory over the previously undefeated Deep Run High School Wildcats.

The Knights won 26 consecutive matches last year, yet when Deep Run won the season-opening Virginia Volleyball Showcase during Labor Day weekend, the Wildcats were ranked No. 1. Dale did not participate in that event and was relegated to No. 2.

That’s how they stood entering tonight’s contest before a noisy crowd of about 450 at Thomas Dale.

The Knights ran their record to 10-0 this season by soundly thumping the Wildcats 25-18, 25-16, 25-22. The Wildcats are 11-1.

Thomas Dale outside hitter and setter Bradley Johnson was credited with 17 kills, 11 assists and four digs in the victory. He received ample support from Zach Seymour who had 19 assists and 11 kills. Six Knights contributed kills in the match.