Governors pull rank on Colonels, defend Dogwood tournament title

ALTAVISTA — There was no thrilling comeback or heartbreaking loss for Nelson County on Thursday in the Dogwood District volleyball tournament championship match in Altavista, hosted by the Colonels.

Nelson County simply swept aside Altavista, the regular-season champion, to repeat as the tournament champions, 25-15, 25-20, and 25-20.

The Governors lost a hard-to-swallow match a little over a week ago in Altavista when they took the first two games and the Colonels swept the last three to clinch the Dogwood’s regular-season title. Then on Wednesday night, the Governors dropped the first two games to William Campbell in Naruna in the tournament semifinals only to rally for the win in five games.

“I thought this was really one of our best efforts,” Nelson County coach Vicki Crawford said. “I think the girls carried that momentum from (Wednesday’s) match with William Campbell into the game. They were cheering and bouncing and that momentum just carried over.”

“They beat us,” Altavista coach Debra Spencer said. “They were the better team on the floor tonight. I don’t know how else to put it.”

The Governors advance to the Region B tournament and will travel to the James River District champion on Tuesday.

“We are going to build on this,” Crawford said. “We’ve played really well this week. We know it’s going to be really tough and we are going to take one game at a time.”

The Colonels will host the James River District’s runner-up on Tuesday.

“We just have to move forward,” Spencer said. “We’ve still got the regional tournament. We’ve got to focus on getting better and make sure we bring our best game to the table every night. The postseason is all about being better on that night. I have confidence they are going to rebound on Tuesday night.”

Nelson County (16-3) maintained a comfortable lead throughout the first two games. Altavista did make a run early in the third game and eventually built a 10-5 lead, but the Governors fought back to tie the game at 17 and pulled away to finish off the match.

Ashley Wells led the Governors with 13 kills. Erika Toliver added nine kills and Tashia Crawford added nine kills and eight blocks.

“It’s going to be tough (next week),” Toliver said. “But, we are going to do what we do best. We are going to stick together and be who we are.”

Altavista’s Andra Brumfield, who had nine kills, was named the Dogwood’s player of the year. Kristin Gibson added 11 kills and nine digs. Lindsay Mayberry had 25 assists. Spencer was named the Dogwood’s coach of the year. 

Dogwood District

Championship

Nelson County 3, Altavista 0

At Altavista

Scores: 25-15, 25-20, 25-20

Highlights: NC — Ashley Wells 13 kills; Erika Toliver 9 kills; Tashia Crawford 9 kills, 8 blocks; Keona Loving 30 assists . A — Andra Brumfield 11 kills, 8 digs; Kristin Gibson 11 kills, 9 digs, 2 aces; Lindsay Mayberry 25 assists, 5 digs; Ryan Hedgpeth 13 digs.

Records: Nelson County 16-3, Altavista 15-7.

Dogwood Player of the year: Andra Brumfield (Altavista).

Dogwood coach of the year: Debra Spencer (Altavista).