Unbeaten Bruins rely on versatility

WOODBRIDGE — Versatility and depth can carry a volleyball team a very long way. At least that’s the conventional wisdom for the Forest Park Bruins.

The most athletic and diverse squad in Prince William County has chartered a path that has only one destination: a state-tournament berth. They paln to get there using the type of balance attack that resulted in a 15-3, 15-9, 15-11 victory over Woodbridge Monday night.

In a match that took barely an hour to play, the Bruins improved to 9-0 behind nine kills each from outside hitter Marisa Gross and middle hitter Missy Deardorff.

Forest Park used three different lineups to win its Cardinal District opener against a formidable Woodbridge squad that swept Osbourn Park last Thursday.

“They’re a good ball control team,” Forest Park coach Dan Jones said of the Vikings. “They’re pretty mobile and make good plays on the ball.”

The Bruins are just as mobile on the back row and much more lethal up front.

Ali Krieger, who played both outside hitter and setter, had 22 assists and five kills, while middle hitter Jessica O’Neal and outside hitter Katie Wolter also contributed five kills each.

“That’s as good across the net as we’ve looked offensively,” Jones said. “Our offense was pretty balanced. Everybody on the team had at least one kill.”

Forest Park’s offense combined for 45 kills. Valerie Ball shared setting duties with Krieger and came up with 19 assists.

EVANGEL TOPS RIVAL HERITAGE CHRISTIAN

One of their best outside hitters wasn’t feeling well Monday afternoon, but the Evangel Christian volleyball team helped hasten the healing process with a 15-10, 15-11 victory at Heritage Christian.

Even without ailing Danni Howe in the lineup, the Eagles swept Heritage to improve to 13-2 overall.

Coming off a fourth-place finish at the Shenandoah Valley Christian Academy’s Pumpkin Tournament, the Eagles were once again led by middle hitter Katie Oakes and setter Terri Slade. Oakes had a team-high 12 kills and Slade had 22 assists.

Amanda Leatch finished the day with three kills, while Amy Martin had five digs on the back row.

HYLTON wins Third straight

It took another scrappy effort for the Hylton Bulldogs to win their third straight match Monday night.

Outside hitters Jasmine Byrd and Jenna Williams combined for 60 service receptions as the Bulldogs rallied to defeat Gar-Field 12-15, 15-12, 15-10, 15-10 victory over Gar-Field.

“Every match we play we’re going to have to fight for what we get,” Hylton coach Karen Mays said.

The Bulldogs came back from a 7-2 deficit in the final game and improved to 6-4 overall behind 12 kills from Byrd and seven from Elyse Day. Williams finished with six kills and Mallory Cashdollar added five.