The Eastern Mennonite School girls varsity volleyball team made program history in 2019 with an undefeated season, dropping only two sets the entire season, both to Broadway High School.

They wrapped up regular season play October 19 with a record of 10-0 in the Blue Ridge Conference and 18-0 overall.

Postseason play
October 26 the team clinched the Blue Ridge Conference title, sweeping Roanoke Catholic 25-15, 25-18 and 25-9 which left them seeded third for state-level competition.

In the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III quarterfinals, EMHS had home court advantage on Nov. 6 when the Flames rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat sixth-seeded Guardian Christian Academy 23-25, 25-27, 25-15, 25-21, 15-5. Rowdy fans of all ages filled the house for the thrilling outcome.

A loss to Timberlake Christian in the semi-final match at Roanoke College ended the historic run.

Player Highlights
During the season, two players reached milestones with Adrienne Cline ‘21 passing the 1,000 kill mark and Karla Hostetler ‘21 surpassing 1,000 assists.

Adrienne Cline being recognized during the season for passing 1,000 kills

Karla Hostetter ’21 with Coach Jonathan Williams on the night she was recognized for passing the 1,000 assist mark.

Adrienne Cline was also voted American Volleyball Coaches Association player of the week for all of Virginia the week of October 7, as well named the Blue Ridge Conference player of the year. Karla Hostetter, Abby Stapleton, and Sydney Litwiller were all named to the Blue Ridge Conference First Team. Adrienne Cline was first team all state and Carla Hostetter was second team all state.

This is the sixth season for Jonathan Williams, head coach. Throughout his tenure, the team has seen steady growth, winning the BRC championship in 2015, 2018 and 2019. The team has competed at the state level for four of the past six years, making it to the VISAA semi-finals in 2018.

“This group of kids is closer than most teams I’ve seen during my experiences here. The passion they play with every day and every match is just really special,” said Williams in Daily News-Record coverage of the run to the state tournament.

The team finished the year with a record of 22-1 record.