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Falcons win opener, spoil former FHS graduate's return
Thomas Ramey's return to Fauquier High School wasn't triumphant.
It was treasured, however, even though it led to a season-opening victory for his alma mater rather than for the Manchester High School volleyball team he currently coaches.
The Fauquier Falcons defeated Manchester 25-19, 25-18, 25-10, Thursday in Warrenton, leaving their preseason struggles in the past, while Ramey fulfilled a wish he's had since graduating from Fauquier High in 1982.
"I've always wanted to bring our team up to play here...because of the quality of their [Fauquier's] program," Ramey, the Lancers' assistant coach, said after the loss. "They have one of the best programs in the state and I have a lot of respect for all of their coaches and for their players.
"Fauquier played extremely well."
Senior setter Jasmine Marshall played particularly well against Manchester (0-1).
Fauquier coach Diana Story grew concerned after the Falcons (1-0) passed poorly during preseason scrimmages, but that skill seemed much improved Thursday, helping Marshall distribute accurate sets and accumulate 17 assists.
"She's played for me for basically three and a half years and has done a very, very good job," Story said. "Tonight was just proof of what she can do. Jasmine's very consistent."
Backup setter Alex Solhjou had a slightly less consistent, but largely solid match as well, finishing with seven assists in limited time.
Having strong hitters able capitalize on those sets didn't hurt Solhjou or Marshall. Four Falcons finished with five kills each, Ashleigh Peterson the hardest hitter of the bunch on the outside, while Laura Stockham smashed four kills at middle.
"They're both hard hitters. It's really nice, because if my set isn't there they still put the ball down," Marshall said of Peterson and Stockham. "I'm very confident in my hitters. They get the job done."
Hitting was also made easier for Fauquier when Manchester's starting middle Kaitlynn Wickersham left with what Ramey said was a strained ligament. That helped clear the air above the net...
See the Wednesday print edition of the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story.
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