The Mathews High School varsity volleyball team began gearing up for its 2010 season on Aug. 2. In her 12th year as the team’s head coach, Pat Moughon is trying to prepare her team after losing four players to graduation.

With eight returning players, the Devils are hopeful for another successful season. Returning players include the team’s two senior captains, setter Lindsay Crigler and outside hitter Casey Parrish.

Returning juniors are Teeny Robbins (OH/DS) and Kacie Austin (OH/RH). Sophomores Maddie McCann (MH), Mackenzie Moughon (OH), Rachel Close (DS) and Kayla Robins (utility) are also back.

Moving up from the junior varsity squad are sophomores Amber Burruss (MH), Shelby Ware (setter), and Mercedes Wells (hitter). New freshmen include Hailey Abernathy (DS), and first-year player Hannah Rowe (setter), who is learning the game with tremendous speed.

This year’s team has a tough act to follow following last season’s record of 21-2 and an appearance in the VHSL state Final Four at VCU.

On Tuesday, the Lady Devils hosted a benefit scrimmage game against Tabb, a AA school in the Bay Rivers District. Mathews won four out of five games played, with every player seeing action.

Crigler and Robbins both served 100 percent, while the Devils as a whole recorded 20 aces. Close was the passing leader, while McCann led the team with 15 digs. As a team, Mathews recorded 62 digs. Parrish was dominant at the net, scoring 13 of the team’s 33 kills.

On Saturday, Mathews hosts a five-team jamboree. The games start at 9 a.m. and last all day. Admission is $5.

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