The Staunton Storm couldn’t weather the surge of the Alleghany Cougars on Saturday morning, falling in straight sets (25-15, 25-16, 25-13) in a home conference matchup.

Staunton Sophomore Kennedy Bryant rallied the Storm early in the first set with two kills and a service ace. However, the Cougars controlled the tempo with aggressive net play throughout the first set, leaving the Storm scrambling to keep pace. 

Staunton showed flashes of resilience, but unforced errors and Alleghany’s relentless pressure ultimately sealed the sweep.

The second set began with promise for the Staunton Storm, as they traded points evenly with the Alleghany Cougars through the first few rallies. Both teams showed strong defensive play and hustle, keeping the score tight at. However, a string of unforced errors from Staunton—missed serves, miscommunications, and net violations—allowed Alleghany to seize momentum at the net.

The third and final set saw Staunton stumble out of the gate, as early errors—particularly in serve receive and passing—put them in a quick deficit. Alleghany wasted no time capitalizing, with Hannah Hensley and Ava Lewis dominating at the net. Hensley’s blocks and quick attacks disrupted Staunton’s rhythm, while Lewis continued her offensive clinic with a series of powerful kills that found the floor with precision. 

The loss marks Staunton’s second defeat to Alleghany this season, both ending in 3-0 shutouts. With the regular season winding down, the Storm will need to regroup quickly if they hope to make a postseason push.

Alleghany’s standout setter Kendra Dressler orchestrated the offense with precision, racking up 32 assists. Hannah Hensley was unstoppable at the net, tallying 14 kills and consistently finding holes in Staunton’s defense. Ally Cottrell added eight kills. Nevaeh Forbes paced the defensive effort for Alleghany with 14 digs, followed by Dressler with 13.

Alleghany, meanwhile, continues to solidify its reputation as one of the top teams in the region, improving to 12-2 in the district and 18-3 overall.