Volleyball: Loch Raven banking on seniors in playoffs

Loch Raven hasn't won a state title since 1994, which does not matter to Matt Smith.

The Raiders' rookie volleyball coach isn't familiar with the team's recent history. That might be why he's talking about titles now.

"I want to win a state championship and I think its possible in (Class) 2A," explained Smith, who coached the Kenwood junior varsity last year. "They have been to the state semifinals a number of times over the years."

He's right. Loch Raven hasn't been a cellar-dweller all these years. The Raiders reached the state semifinals five times since 2001, with the last trip in 2006.

This year's squad may represent the program's best chance to get back to the final four. The strength of the team lies in four standout seniors who have led the Raiders to a 9-3 record.

Outside hitters Hannah Jenkins and Heather Shin, middle hitter Caroline Stanka and setter Devin Herlihy, play their best late in games. The spotlight will be on them when the playoffs start Nov. 3.

"When it comes to the end and the games are tight, we look for our seniors to step up," said Smith, who seniors are joined by sophomores Kayla Brown and Courtney Genovese in the starting lineup. "It's a blessing to have those four seniors and how much experience they have.

"They have been playing together for three or four years on the varsity," he added. "They bring a good amount of leadership to the team."

Herlihy is might be as important to Loch Raven's success as any of her classmates because of her all-around play.

"She is probably one of the best setters in the county," Smith said. "She plays good defense, distributes the ball pretty well and scores a lot for a setter."

The Raiders have experienced some problems closing out inferior opponents, but two of the seniors Smith has talked about made sure that wasn't a problem Oct. 15.

Herlihy's 15 assists and Stanka's 10 kills helped Loch Raven to a 25-21, 25-22, 25-22 victory over host Franklin.

"There is usually a game where we don't show up," Smith said. "It's nice to see they didn't drop a game by lowering their play. We stepped up and finished it."

Mara Izzard's 26 assists and Lauren Robbins' eight digs led Franklin.

Behind Herlihy's serving and Stanka's hitting, Loch Raven ran off eight straight points in the first set to turn to a 12-11 lead to a 20-11 bulge.

The Raiders went on another late run in the second set, scoring 13 consecutive points with Herlihy serving the bulk of them.

Franklin (7-3) was at its best in the third set, mounting a 16-12 lead before Loch Raven closed with a 13-6 spurt.