The Rappahannock County High School girls' varsity volleyball team walloped the Eastern View Cyclones in a one-sided match, 3-0, last Wednesday and two days later were able to come back after a two game deficit to win a match, 3-2, against the more competitive Warren County High School in Front Royal.

Against Eastern View – the new huge high school on the eastern edge of Culpeper – the Panthers dominated in every aspect of the game. The Cyclones had two solid players, but they lacked the coordination and experience of the Panthers. The Panthers have five retuning players from last season.

In a somewhat stuffy gym with a huge fan at the back door, but with a loud and boisterous student section cheering them on, the Panthers played with confidence and solid execution, looking very much like a well coached and disciplined team. There were strong serves, good kills and clean set ups with only the occasional miscommunication.

Although Coach Scott Wilde was pleased with the team's performance, he said they will have to, "step it up," as the season progresses.

"Page County will be a good match and a test," of their skill he said, and there will be other tough games in the schedule such as Wakefield in The Plains (who went to state last year).

There were many good plays and all the girls played well, but the lynch pin of the team is No. 1 Emily Carter who made some fantastic kills. "She's my go to player," said Coach Wilde.

Returning this year along with Carter are Nikki Bowers, Megan Wheatly, Nat Tupper and Danika Kritter. There are two new starting sophomores – Laura Caperton and Hannah Kopjanski – and rounding out the team is sophomore Lauren Settle.