Girls’ Cross Country

The girls’ cross country team had an incredible week with their huge defeat over Western, Powhatan, and Orange on Sept. 24 at Pleasant Grove. Although Pleasant Grove is known as one of the most difficult courses in the district, that had no effect on these Fluco athletes. Freshman standout Kristen Cabrera was first overall by a landslide running a race of 21:39. “My race felt good. It’s a challenging course, but I was very happy with my time,” said Cabrera. Haley Kline, Saige Haney, Haley Kennedy, Jackie Rodriguez, and Peyton Olinger also placed in the top ten.

The girls’ team also had a meet on Sept. 27 at Richmond’s Maymont where they placed 4th out of 22 teams in their division. Kristen Cabrera, Haley Kennedy, and Hayley Kline all placed in the top 25 and received medals. The girls’ next meet will be Oct. 1 at Culpeper.

Boys’ Cross Country

Following close behind their female counterparts, the boys’ cross country team placed second at their Sept. 24 meet against Western, Orange, and Powhatan at Pleasant Grove. Travis Moe was the highest-placed Fluco, coming in at second overall, while Jonathan Corbin and Morgan Milburn also placed in the top ten. “Our race went really well, our runners placed much better this week, and we gave Western a run for their money,” said Morgan Milburn.

Under the direction of Coach Tom Casto, the boys also competed on Sept. 27 at the Maymont XC Invitational where the team placed 12th out of 24 teams in their division. Moe continued his trend of being the highest-ranked Fluco as he seeded 7th overall and earned a medal. As for the rest of the team, they continued their upward trend, with 11 out of 13 boys showing time improvements at Maymont. The boys will compete next on Oct. 1 at Culpeper.

Football

Despite high hopes, the Flucos struggled on Sept. 26 against Albemarle, ultimately falling to Albemarle 42-21. Still, the game was not without its promising moments. “We came out really strong, but in all parts of the game we had a few minor mistakes that would eventually cost us the game,” said Fluco quarterback Macen Dahl. Senior Vaughn Bodie scored two touchdowns, while Dahl scored one. “The defense had a great game, but a few slip ups that Albemarle capitalized on. We, as a collective group, played extremely well, but we just couldn’t catch a break,” said Dahl, adding that “That’s in the past and we are focused on Orange and ready to move to 2-3 on the season.”

The boys’ are trying to not get down on themselves and to keep a positive outlook on things. Determined to make this a better season that it’s been in the past, the team next takes on Orange County at home on Oct. 3.

Golf

Last week was crunch time for the Fluvanna golfers.  It was playoff time, the time where players put everything on the line for a shot to move on through the post-season.  First came the District tournament for a trophy and bragging rights, then came the Conference tournament where teams had to finish in the top two or go home.

In the District tournament on Sept. 22 at Mill Quarter Golf Club, the Flucos were tested in tough conditions while dealing with the loss of sophomore star Jack Stanke, who was injured and unable to finish the match.  Unfortunately for the Flucos, they shot a combined score of 387, finishing 7^th out of 8 teams.  Top scorers included senior Christian Baber with a 90, freshman Brennan Baber with a 98, junior Tyler Marshall with a 99, and senior Nick Yancey with a 100.

At the Conference tournament on Sept. 24 at Wenton Golf Club, the pressure was on and the Flucos were able to match it, finishing 2^nd out of 6 teams and qualifying for the Region 4A North tournament.  “It was a great feeling knowing all the hard work had finally paid off,” said Yancey.  Top scorers for the team were Stanke with an 82, Christian Baber with an 86, Yancey with a 91, and senior Kaitlin Presley with a 93.  “I think that if we keep up the momentum, we can finish where we want to [at Regionals],” said Yancey.

The Flucos look forward to playing in the Regional tournament on Oct. 6 at Ivy Hills Golf Club in Forest, Virginia.

Volleyball

The volleyball team continued its strong start by winning all seven of their games last week.  “I think that the season is going really well and we’re continuing to bond as a team,” said sophomore Tyler Haislip.

On Sept. 23, the team traveled to Monticello to tangle with the Mustangs, where they came out on top. The Flucos not only beat the Mustangs, but went on to sweep them in three straight sets with scores of 25-14, 25-23, and 25-14. The JV team also won their matchup in straight sets.

Two days later on Sept. 25, the team hosted the Louisa Lions. The Flucos were supported by great fans and an amazing and ardently supportive student section as they beat the Lions in straight sets by the scores of 25-8, 25-16, and 25-16. Like their Varsity Lady Fluco sisters, the JV team also beat the Lions in straight sets.

Next, the Flucos hosted a Conference round robin tournament on Sept. 30.  In the tournament, the team played against all schools in the Conference for one game each. The Lady Flucos won all five of their games that day with ease, never losing a set.

The girls are always looking forward to continuing their tremendous play, and to accomplishing their seasonal goals.  “Our goal is to go farther in the playoffs than last year and make this a season to remember,” said junior Bri Harris. The team has two games this week, hosting the Powhatan Indians on Sept. 30, and then traveling to Charlottesville on Oct. 2   to take on the Black Knights.