Unbeaten Flint Hill Is Setting Its Sights On First ISL Crown

The past two seasons, Flint Hill's volleyball team has trudged off the court after its final league game engulfed in disappointment. Last year's conclusion was especially painful, as the Huskies dropped a five-game heartbreaker to Maret in the Independent School League tournament championship.

Finally, this season, Flint Hill (7-0) may have the formula for success. The ninth-ranked Huskies returned eight players from last year's team and added Fairfax transfer Marilyn Peizer, rated one of the top 59 players in her class by PrepVolleyball.com. The Huskies scored their biggest win of the season last weekend, beating defending Virginia Independent Schools state champion Liberty Christian.

"I do feel like the girls -- and they feel like it, too -- that they can play with anyone in the state," Flint Hill Coach Carrol Anderson said.

The Huskies brought back seniors Christie Fellows and Chelsea Overholt, both of whom are garnering college interest, but the addition of Peizer has made the team a legitimate power. A highly skilled outside hitter, Peizer, a sophomore, had seven aces and connected on all 18 of her serves during Tuesday's 25-6, 25-7, 25-10 win over Sidwell Friends. "Her jump serve is as good as a lot of college players right now," Anderson said. "She's the real deal."

Flint Hill, a program in only its sixth year, is aiming for its first ISL championship after losing to Maret in each of the past two title matches. "The girls know we can play with them," Anderson added. "But I don't think we can say we're the front-runner until we prove that on the court."

Atholton Is Gaining Momentum

Atholton Coach David Decker knows his team has flown under the radar in Howard County, but he's beginning to wonder how much longer he and the Raiders will be able to sneak up on opponents. The Raiders, who won two postseason matches last season en route to a 6-12 finish (4-10 Howard County) are off to a 4-1 start.

"We always seemed to have a smart, talented group but weren't able to put everything together," Decker said. "This year we have the depth and attitude to really form a cohesive unit."

For their second win of the season, the Raiders swept defending Maryland 3A champion Reservoir and handed the Gators (2-3) their first loss against a county opponent in two years. And while No. 5 Centennial is considered the favorite to claim the top spot in the county, Atholton likes its chances.

The Raiders aren't loaded with power hitters but have strong offensive threats in middle hitter Kat Flanagan and outside hitter Laura Simpler. Atholton's main focus, however, is its defense and precision passing -- areas that have been aided by the return of libero Jamie Frank, who missed most of last season with a broken bone in her leg.

"Jamie got to play in the state tournament last year, and she was a big reason why we got as far as we did," Decker said. "Having her back has meant a lot to our defense already."

Loudoun County Extends Winning Streak

Second-ranked Loudoun County graduated four players from last year's Virginia AA championship team who are now playing in college, but the Raiders have maintained their dominance that has spanned more than two seasons.

Loudoun County (9-0) beat Sherando, Westfield and Stone Bridge -- each of whom has advanced to the state tournament at least once since 2004 -- to win the Surebet Classic last weekend in Ashburn. The Raiders also knocked off Briar Woods on Tuesday to extend their winning streak to 37 matches.

Loudoun County has advanced to the past two AA championship matches, and this season has adjusted quickly after graduating All-Met Player of the Year Morgan Petkovich and All-Met second-teamer Marguerite Hanna. Senior middle hitter Shaylin O'Connell, who has orally committed to William & Mary, led the Raiders with 38 kills and 18 blocks during the Surebet Classic.