by Matthew Hochberg
George Mason High School girls’ volleyball team won twice in the past week, defeating Warren County at home on Oct. 6th before traveling to William Monroe on Tuesday and earning the victory.
The 10-2 team has been playing impressive volleyball since the beginning of the season with no signs of letting up. On Oct. 6th, the Mustangs dominated the Eagles, a team that has had a very good season in its own right and came into their matchup with Mason having won six of their last seven.
Led by 15 kills each from senior hitter Kate Karstens and sophomore hitter McKenzie Brady, though, the Mustangs captured the 3-1 win. The kills, combined with the team controlling the game’s pace with steady passing and balanced offense made for a quality contest.
On Tuesday, Mason made their way to William Monroe. During the team’s first matchup against the Dragons in September, GMHS found themselves down 2-0 before winning the next three sets to secure the victory. This time – even on the road – they managed to make the game look a little easier.
The Mustangs won in four sets after big-time blocking performances from junior hitter Merriweather Gordon and sophomore hitter Savannah Williams. Sophomore setter Evelyn Duross was able to set up Williams for some big hits, while junior hitter Laura Whitaker and sophomore setter Annie Castillo stepped with top-notch serves.
Head coach Hillary Trebels, as one can imagine, is more than satisfied with the team’s success this season and is impressed with her players, including Andrea Dilao. The senior defensive specialist is one of just four who is in her final year on the team and has emerged as a player Trebels can trust on the court to get the job done and communicate with her teammates.
It is also the team’s talent across the roster that has helped produce win after win.
“Our depth has really made a difference this year. Being three-deep at most positions has given us plenty of flexibility. We’ve barely used the same lineup two games in a row as of late,” Trebels said.
The Mustangs’ next matchup is Thursday against Central High School on the road. The last time they faced each other this season? Mason swept them 3-0.
