The Lady Indians volleyball team left little doubt as to who was the dominant team in the Southside District last Thursday, as they put together 3-0 wins over Park View and Bluestone to take the Southside District Championship.

After taking apart Park View in the semifinals (25,-12, 25-23, 25-7), the team put away Bluestone 25-12, 26, 24, 25-18.

For head coach Clark Menger, the win was just one more example of the way his girls’ hard work and dedication has paid off this season.

Menger said Monday that he has continually been amazed at the maturity of his players and their desire to improve their skills.

One of those athletes, senior Ana Tucker, was honored as the Southside District player of the year Thursday night.

Tucker, who also serves as a co-captain on the team, has earned high praise from Menger over the years, not just for her skill on the court but for her work ethic as well.

“She is definitely one of the hardest workers in our program,” said Menger. “She is also an incredible leader…she knows what ‘the group’ means.”

Tucker shared first team all district honors with Co-captain Claiborne Hammond, another senior player Menger said he would truly miss next year.

“Claiborne might be the most versatile athlete in the history of Powhatan volleyball, certainly in the time I’ve been coaching here,” said Menger. “She can set, block, hit and she’s one of top three passers…she has all the volleyball skills and very few weaknesses.”

While Menger said he will have some holes to fill next year, he insisted he has a crop of talented young players eager to step up. Brooke Strathy, Brianna Barton, Katelyn Wright, Dana Hinden, Karley Kranich and Kristen Meyers, who had 14 kills against Park View in the district semifinals, are just a few of the players he will likely be able to call on next year,

Menger has also seen a surging interest in his sport, especially among the student body.

One of the highlights of the season so far has been the response the team has received from the fans, particularly the group of PHS students who form the cheering section at all home games, he said.

Menger is glad the girls have been receiving the attention they have, but said he’s not necessarily surprised.

“They have this wonderful combination of grace and power, and that’s very appealing to watch,” he said.

When the girls won Thursday, Menger reported, the cheering section flooded the floor and posed for pictures with the players.

“It’s a wonderful thing to see people come out,” said Menger.

“I feel fortunate to be able to coach in a community that has shown such an interest in volleyball.”

The Lady Indians competed in the first round Region 1 tournament last night at PHS. The results of that game, not available at press time, will be printed in next week’s Powhatan Today.