Viqueens show power despite loss

Community honored the careers of seniors (from left) Katie Maselter, Chelsea Buckingham, Kassidy Lane, Megan Busbee, Lauren Freeman, Cheyenne Ralston and Ashley Orlando before and after the match with Eagleville on Tuesday. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Community and Eagleville engaged in a District 9-A grudge match Tuesday night in Unionville.

The Lady Eagles took the match 3-1 and locked up the regular season district season title, but the Viqueens showed that they'll be a force to be reckoned with come tournament time.

"Even though we lost, we played a really good, hard-fought game," Community coach Allison Layne said. "We had several blocks and kills from Megan (Busbee) and Kassidy (Lane)."

Eagleville (4-23, 4-0 9-A) came out on top 25-21 in the first game.

The teams were tied on seven different occasions in the second game before Community (2-13, 1-3) prevailed 25-20.

The hosts led a majority of the third contest and held an 18-16 upper hand before the Lady Eagles went on a 5-0 run and held on to win 25-21.

The Viqueens dug in for Game 4 and displayed some of their best volleyball of the season as they got into a bump-set-spike rhythm with few "free balls" floating casually over to their foes. They quickly took a 14-7 advantage and appeared to be on cruise control.

However, a 7-1 run moments later put Eagleville ahead 18-17 to make a dogfight out of it. Community regained a 22-20 lead before the Lady Eagles scored the game's final three points to win 25-23.

Megan Busbee knocks one of her 16 kills for the Viqueens. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Coaches, family, friends and fans took time to participate in Senior Night with a presentation involving balloons, flowers, signs, scrapbooks, cake and a slideshow presenation to honor Viqueens Chelsea Buckingham, Megan Busbee, Lauren Freeman, Ashley Orlando, Kassidy Lane, Katie Maselter and Cheyenne Ralston.

"Our seniors stepped up tonight. Every one of them did their job. They stepped up and did an awesome job," Layne said.

Busbee was dominant at middle hitter with 16 kills and 10 blocks. Lane hammered down 13 kills and stuffed four balls. Maselter enjoyed her finest game of her career with 12 service points, seven kills and three aces. Freeman contributed 13 points, seven aces and four blocks. Georgia Ralston added 10 points, four kills and four aces. Orlando served up five points and three aces.

The Viqueens get some time off to prepare for the district tournament, which starts in Unionville on Oct. 15. They face Middle Tennessee Christian in an elimination match at 6 p.m. The winner advances to the finals against Eagleville at 7:30 and to the region tournament.