The Recorder on August 28, 2025
Ava Summers passes to a teammate in Monday’s Highland victory over the Defenders. (Recorder photos by Mark Pifer)
MONTEREY — Highland High School doesn’t start classes until next week.
But the Ram volleyball girls have already aced their first test.
Colleen Adams notched a match-high 14 aces and the hosts served up 40 total in a straight-set, in Monday’s opening night victory over VSDB, 25-14, 25-11, 25-14.
The Rams were never threatened by the young Defenders, who dressed just seven, giving HHS coach Beth McGuire a chance to get all her players — varsity and JV — some valuable experience.
“There wasn’t a whole lot of action (tonight),” said McGuire, who is beginning her third season. “But I felt like the girls were here and ready to play. They had some really good serving.”
Highland scored the first five points of the match, four coming on Adams aces, and led 16-6 later in the set.
It set the tone for the dominant performance.
Brooklyn Bussard joined Adams in serving double figure aces with 10, Amelia Good had six, and Jade Hotz added four.
Brooklyn Bussard saves a ball to continue a rally during opening-night volleyball action at Highland High School. The Rams beat VSDB in straight sets, 25-14, 25-11, 25-14.
The attack opportunities were limited.
Good, Hotz and Emma Brower led the way with two kills apiece, while Adelaide Baxter added one.
The Rams, who traditionally don’t start the season until school begins and the Highland County Fair is over, took the court on the first play date of the season for the first time in years.
In addition, McGuire’s team will get some practice time this week even with the fair surrounding them. “Yeah, we are getting to practice some,” the coach said. “In the past couple of years, we didn’t practice during fair week.”
The Rams also have a full schedule for the first time in a while, including Monday’s match.
“It’s just how the schedule worked out,” McGuire said. “I asked last year if somehow we could get some more games. We had a lot less games than everyone else in our district in years past. Now, our schedule is full.”
Highland is back in action next Thursday in Mount Storm, W.Va., for a match against Union Educational Complex.
Members of the Highland High School varsity volleyball team attended a volleyball camp at Virginia Tech this summer. Pictured are, from left, front row: Coach Beth McGuire, Sarah Liller, Alli Terry, Scarlett Lupo; back row: Alanna Thompson, Ali Veasey, Brooklyn Bussard, Colleen Adams, Emma Brower, Peyton Neil, Ava Summers, and Kylie Arbogast. (Photo courtesy HHS)