Samantha Alwardt makes a dig for Ashley Ridge.
Roger Lee
Summerville – Ashley Ridge has moved into first place in the Region 7-AAAAA Girls Volleyball standings.
The Swamp Foxes defeated Fort Dorchester Sept. 28 to improve to 10-2 on the season with a 4-0 mark in the region. Both of the team’s losses came during tournaments.
“We have a lot of potential but there are times when we get a little bit loose and forget we have to make sure we get to 25 points,” Ashley Ridge coach Leigh-Ann Carter said. “Sometimes we lose focus, but we can definitely go deep into the playoffs with this group. They have the hustle, the heart and the ability to play with anyone in our area when we stay focused.”
The Swamp Foxes returned a lot of players, most of them seniors, to the court this season after claiming a piece of the 2022 region championship and advancing to the third round of the playoffs. A few players added to the squad give additional depth.
Senior Samantha Alwardt is the team’s captain. One of the team’s more versatile athletes, she plays Libero and makes an impact all over the court. Ashley Ridge is also counting on senior hitter/blocker Indigo McDaniel and junior setter Reece Bellush for leadership. Alwardt and McDaniel were both all-region last season.
McDaniel and fellow seniors Dianna Blake and Carter Bradshaw are experienced hitters who lead the team’s attack and help provide a seasoned defensive wall at the net. Alana Braxton moved up from the JV team last year and is playing a bigger role with the varsity this season.
Alyssa Lohr is new to the team and doing well at the right-side position. The Swamp Foxes have a number of players currently making contributions defensively. Other members of the squad are Trinity Medford, Kaylin Brown, Cate Brouwer, Abigail Edwins, Meredith Freeman and Cameron Gettings.
“We’ve been able to work a lot of different rotations, work a lot of different girls in and to try some new things this season,” Carter said. “Some girls have surprised us when we put them in a different position so when we need to change things up last minute we can. Everybody is on board with it and just runs with it.”
The Swamp Foxes are scheduled to play at Bishop England Oct. 4 and have the rematch with the Green Wave at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Summerville.
AR Football
The Ashley Ridge Football team opened the season with five straight wins, but then ran into cross-town rival Fort Dorchester.
The Patriots (3-2) knocked the Swamp Foxes (5-1) out of the undefeated ranks Sept. 29, defeating Ashley Ridge 40-22 in the region opener for both teams. The Swamp Foxes did move the ball and took a 14-6 lead in the first quarter when Derrick Salley scored on touchdown receptions of 36 and 8 yards. Salley also scored on a 94-yard kickoff return in the third quarter.
However, the Patriots picked off three Ashley Ridge passes and hit several big offensive plays to limit Ashley Ridge’s momentum.
“We just have to take care of the football and reduce the penalties, missed tackles and missed assignments,” Ashley Ridge coach Jeff Tate said. “Those are things we can work on and if we do we can compete. It was a good football game for the most part and while I’m not pleased with the score I am pleased with the effort we gave.”
Sophomore quarterback Trevor Kalisz has completed 120 passes this season for more than 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. Salley, a senior, has 59 catches for more than 1,000 yards and 11 TDs and has rushed for three TDs. Junior running back Jayden Acosta has rushed for more than 500 yards and nine TDs.
Ashley Ridge travels to West Ashley this week.
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