by Jessica Golding ‘11 

Sophomore Alex Holston showcases her superb talent by spiking the ball into the Patriot defense. Photo by Alyx Henry '11.

Sherwood’s girls’ varsity volleyball captured their second-ever Maryland Class 4A State Championship on November 22 with a straight-set victory over the Thomas Johnson Patriots. The Warriors won 25-13, 25-22, 25-23 over the Patriots from Frederick.

After the Warriors dominated the Patriots and shocked their fan base in the first set, the Patriots kept it close throughout the next two sets. However, the Warriors played fantasticly to counter the Patriots heightened play, keeping them at bay. The score was tied at 19 in the second set before the Warriors went on a 6-3 run to close out the set. In the third set, the Patriots fought back against an opening Sherwood lead, bringing the score to 23-22 Sherwood. The Warriors never allowed the Patriots to come back, though, going on to win two out of the next three points, winning the set and securing the sweep. 

With the victory, the Lady Warriors went wild. “It took a while for it to set in, and when it did it was just a constant rush of adrenaline,” said senior captain KC Emerson. “[Winning states means] everything because we worked so hard for this moment and we were able to carry on the legacy of the 2006 [Sherwood state championship] team.” 

The coaches were just as excited as their players. “I think my first reaction was jumping in the air and throwing a fist pump. Then I hugged the assistant coaches Joe and Brooke. I let the girls celebrate for a little bit, then made sure we lined up to shake hands with the other team,” said varsity coach Brian McCarty. 

The 19-0 Warriors not only brought home a state championship that night, but also put themselves in the Sherwood athletic record book. This Sherwood volleyball team is the first in school history to never drop a set throughout the entire season, a tremendous feat. 

The team, although strong all season, definitely had a turning point around midway through when they beat fellow powerhouse and archrival Magruder. “Beating Magruder 3-0 definitely showed our strength and determination as a team and showed how we stacked up compared to a good opponent,” said senior Meredith Russell. 

One thing that is sure for Sherwood volleyball’s future is that the returning team members will be more than ready for the added pressure of repeating a state championship. “We use every practice as an opportunity to get better,” said McCarty. “At practice we say, ‘If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.’ That just means everyone else out there is working to get better, so if we just stay the same, they are going to pass us by.” 

A large part of the Warriors’ success comes from their star athlete and captain, sophomore Alex Holston. With a 6-foot 4-inches wingspan, Holston has the perfect build for a volleyball player. This season Holston had 263 kills, 131 digs, and 47 blocks, according to All-MET Sports. 

Holston is indisputably the face of Sherwood girls’ volleyball, and her teammates understand the importance of Holston on the court. “Alex is consistent at every single attribute of volleyball. Whether she’s serving, passing, blocking or hitting from anywhere on the court, you can always count on her to give it her all,” said junior Megan Hewitt. 

However, Holston is not your typical superstar. Not only is she unaware of her record-breaking statistics, but she is as well-known for her modesty. “Her modesty [is her best quality as a player] because she doesn’t let her insane skill get to her head and she’s so collected,” said Emerson. 

Although only a sophomore, Holston is one of the leaders of the team. “She proves her leadership by statistically leading the team in kills, and consistently making the game a team effort and not just a one man show … Her calm demeanor on the court is infectious and settles any nerves that as a team we may have,” said senior Erin Brady. 

McCarty realizes just how important Holston is, among others, to his team. “It is rare to have a player so naturally athletic and have an even stronger work ethic to get better … It’s been a pleasure to coach [Holston] and I’m looking forward to having two more seasons with her,” he said. 

While Holston still has two years of high school ahead of her, she already knows she wants to continue playing volleyball at a high level in college. “I want to play high level Division 1 volleyball if I have the chance, [preferably] somewhere in the South where its warm; I hate the cold,” said Holston. 

Fortunately for Sherwood, Holston is going to have to endure winters in Maryland for two more years. “[As good as Holston is now,] scary thing is that she’s still getting better,” said Brady.