Volley Raiders' season ends at state tournament

The Madison County High School Volley Raiders' season came to a close on Wednesday night at Locust Grove. The Volley Raiders were swept by Locust Grove in three sets ending coach Steve Crouse's first season as head coach. 
The Lady Raiders dropped the opening set 25-17 and lost the second set by a 25-15 score. The series was a best three out of five sets to win the match and Locust Grove did just that by taking the third set 25-12 to win the overall match 3-0.
Despite the loss at state, the Volley Raiders finished the season strong by defeating Eastside last Thursday night to advance to Saturday's round two of the region tournament where they defeated Lumpkin County to earn a birth in the state tournament. The Volley Raiders were eliminated by Lanier in the region tournament before falling to Locust Grove in round one of the state playoffs. 

Volley Raiders ready to make school history

By Dallas Bordon

The Madison County Volleyball Raiders will make school history on Wednesday when they step onto the floor to face Locust Grove of region 4-AAAA in the first round of the State Playoffs. The Wildcats hold a record of 21-14 and 8-0 their region. Locust Grove opened the season winning 14 of 18 matches but midway through the campaign the Wildcats have won just 3 of 12 including three straight losses; 2 to Union Grove and one to Ola.

Locust Grove defeated Jonesboro 2-0 to reach the State Tournament. The Wildcats roster has eight seniors, four juniors and one sophomore. 

 Madison County advanced by defeating Lumpkin County 2-0 in the second round of the region tournaments at Monroe Area last week. The win over Lumpkin County put the Volley Raiders in the State Tournament for the first time ever. "I'm proud of the effort and competitiveness of our team during the region tournament," said first year coach Steve Crouse. "They stepped up to the challenge on Saturday morning and defeated Lumpkin County in a fantastic game where we played very well together." Madison County put together their best performance to date slightly defeating the Indians 30-28 in the opening set before sweeping the match by winning the second set. The Raiders returned a little payback to the Indians after Lumpkin County defeated Madison twice in the regular season; once on senior night.
"Lumpkin had beaten us twice before," said Crouse. "The last time was on senior night in our gym. It was great to see our girls celebrate on the court after the win which put up in the state tournament." Madison County was bumped from region tournament play after losing to Lanier 0-2. For the seniors, being a group that will go down in school history as the first team to reach state tournament play was plenty of reason to celebrate at the end of the day. 

Volley Raiders etch themselves in school history

Mya Moss was named
First Team All-
Region

There were tears flowing following the Volley Raiders first match of the second round of the region tournament on Saturday. There were tears, but those tears were not those from seven seniors who ended a career; they were tears of joy. The Madison County Volley Raiders, led by first year coach Steve Crouse, made their mark in school history as the first volleyball team to reach the state tournament. Madison County defeated Eastside on Thursday to advance to Saturday’s round needing just one win to earn a state playoff birth. They got the win they needed by bouncing Lumpkin County 2-0 (30-28, 25-21) in the first match of the day. The Raiders eventually lost to Lanier 0-2, but the day was still a success as the girls from Madison County came away all smiles. Junior Mya Moss was named to the First Team All-Region when the day started.

The Volley Raiders put together what was perhaps their best performance this season in the win over Lumpkin County. Nothing good ever comes easy however, as the two teams battled to eight different ties in a set that went to 30 points instead of the usual 25 point set. The requirement to win by two caused the extended play but the Raiders prevailed as Paige Criddle knocked down two point serves that broke a 28-28 tie for the set one win. Following back to back point serves from freshman Sam Watson, the Raiders bolted to a 15-11 lead. Madison County later pulled out to a 20-16 lead but Lumpkin County fought back to tie the set four times midway through.

The Volley Raiders opened the second set with an 8-2 lead following three point serves by Watson. Madison County later extended their lead to 10-3, but Lumpkin County reached back and pulled off a scoring run to battle back and tied the set score at 12-12. The two teams again battled back and forth and exchanging points until Criddle broke the final tie this time with four straight point serves to win the set.

The Raiders then bowed out of the Region Tournament after losing two Lanier 0-2 (24-25, 17-25) but will now set their sights on state tournament play which will open Wednesday. The location and opponent has yet to be determined. 

Volley Raiders advance to Saturday's region round

The Madison County Volleyball Raiders stayed alive in the region tournament by defeating Eastside 2-0 on Thursday night in Monroe. Madison County lost in the opening match of the tournament 0-2 to Lanier by set scores of 17-25 and 14-25. The Raiders then took a deep breath and rebounded to defeat Eastside in two sets (25-22 and 25-14) to advance to Saturday's round. Madison and Eastside battled through three ties in the first set before pulling off the win and Ariel Jones knocked down three serve points to end the second set with a Raider win. 
Madison County will play at 10 a.m. Saturday at Monroe Area High School.

Volley Raiders drop regular season finale

The Volley varsity Raiders made their final regular season road trip to Athens on Thursday night to face the Athens Christian Eagles. The match was the best 3 of 5 sets with Madison County winning the first set 25-21 eventually dropping the next three sets to lose the match 1-3. The Raiders trailed late in the opening set until Jessica Hill served four straight points to tie the set at 21-21. Madison County then outscored the Eagles 4-0 to take the opening set win.
Athens won the second set of the match 25-12. The Eagles broke a 9-9 tie early and then rolled off eight straight points on the way to the win to tie the sets at one win each. Madison County battled early in the set by knocking down typing points on seven different occasions but never managed to take a lead after the 9-9 tie.
The third set also went to Athens Christian this time by a 25-13 score. Athens Christian was able to take an early 6-1 lead and never fell behind from that point on to take a 2-1 lead in the overall match. Trailing 6-1, freshman Sam Watson served five straight points to tie the set at 6-6.
In the fourth set, Madison County rebounded from an 8-2 deficit by battling back to a 21-17 lead after playing through three ties. The Raiders seemed to be on their way to a match tying set after maintaining a lead late, but Athens Christian ended up tying the set at 23-23 eventually taking the set 25-23 and the match win 3-1.
The Volley Raiders will travel to Monroe to take part in the region tournaments beginning next Thursday at a time yet to be determined. The tournament will conclude on Saturday. 

Raiders drop two on Senior Night

The 2013/14 Volley Raider seniors took their final curtain call on Tuesday night at the middle school gym. Seven seniors played their final home match in front of the large crowd of friends, family and classmates and despite the outcome of two loses, it was a good night of recognition.

Madison County opened the night in a region contest against Lumpkin County. Lumpkin County defeated the Raiders 2-0 by set scores of 25-10 and 24-18. The Raiders then enjoyed the festivities of senior night by being recognized at mid-court with family escorts by their side. A final farewell speech was read while the girls received gifts and applause.

Madison County closed the night facing Tallulah Falls in the nightcap. After falling in the opening set 25-14, the Raiders fought a good fight in set number two but came up on the losing end of a 25-23 score dropping the overall match 0-2. The varsity squad will play at Athens Christian on Thursday to close out their regular season before taking part in the region tournament next week.

The junior varsity Raiders closed their season by losing to Lumpkin County 0-2 by set scores of 12-25 and 15-25.

Volley Raiders win 1 of 4 matches at "play-in" tourney

The varsity Volley Raiders took part in a play-in tournament on Saturday in Monroe. The Raiders came away with one match win out of the four matches played. Madison County defeated Monroe Area 2-1 by set scores of 25-12, 14-25, and 15-12. The Raiders lost to Loganville in two sets by scores of 19-25 and 12-25. Winder Barrow topped the Raiders winning two of three sets to take the overall match 2-1. Winder defeated Madison County 25-19 and 15-7. The Raiders took one of the two sets against the Bulldoggs 25-14. Madison County then lost to Walnut Grove 0-2. The first set score was 25-8 in favor of Walnut Grove. The second set also went to Walnut Grove but the score was unavailable.

Madison County will return home for their final home matches of the season on Tuesday facing Lumpkin County and Tallulah Falls. This will be senior night for the Volley Raiders beginning at 5:00.

Raiders earn split with Cedar at home

The Madison County Volley Raiders varsity hit the court on Thursday night in a home match with Cedar Shoals. The varsity Volley Raiders earned a split with Cedar taking the first match 2-1 but losing the nighcap 0-2. Cedar Shoals edged the Raiders 25-23 in the first set but Madison County bounced back to win sets two (25-16) and three (25-12) to earn the match win. Cedar Shoals then swept Madison County in the nightcap winning both sets 25-18 and 25-21 to leave with a split.
The Junior Varsity Raiders got off to a slow start but bounced back after trailing 7-1 to defeat Cedar Shoals twice 2-0,2-0. The JV Raiders won the first match by set scores of 25-17 and 25-17 before completing the sweep with set scores of 25-9 and 25-19 to win the second match.
The varsity Raiders will play in a "play-in" tournament this Saturday at Monroe Area. Madison County will face Winder Barrow at 10:15 am, Loganville at 11:30, Monroe at 3:15, and Walnut Grove at 5:45.

Volley Raiders pick up second region win

The Madison County Volley Raiders varsity notched their second region win of the season by defeating Monroe Area 2-0 Tuesday night at Chestatee High School. The Volley Raiders won both sets over Monroe 25-15 and 25-23. Madison County lost the opening match to host team Chestatee 0-2 by set scores of 19-25 and 14-25.
The Junior Varsity Raiders swept Chestatee and Monroe Area. The JV Raiders defeated Chestatee by set scores of 25-18 and 25-18. Madison County then finished off the sweep by defeating Monroe Area 25-15 and 25-16.
Madison County will return home Thursday night facing Cedar Shoals at 5:00 at the middle school.

Volley Raiders drop two in Gainesville

Coach Steve Crouse’s Volley Raiders were on the road once again on Thursday night in non-region matches against East Hall and Rabun County. The result was not what Madison County had in mind as they played away from home for the ninth time this season. Rabun County was first on the floor with Madison County and took the Raiders to three sets before picking up the 2-1 win. Rabun jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the opening set but the Raiders rallied back to pull to within one point following three straight serve points by senior Taylor Hallenbeck. Rabun County answered with six straight points to extend the lead following the Raider threat. Late in the set, senior Ariel Jones took her turn at serving and the Raiders aided in giving her support as Jones served five straight times pulling Madison County again to within one point. The Raiders were unable to gain the lead as Rabun County closed the set with a 25-21 win.

In the second set with Rabun County, it was another senior, Paige Criddle, who took the baseline and served 10 consecutive times as the Raiders not only gained the lead for the first time but also pulled ahead to their largest lead of the night at 16-7. The run was made possible by Mya Moss who had an outstanding night at the net in both matches with several key blocked shots and spikes. Criddle later laid down a spike to close the set with the Raiders winning 25-15 to force a third set. Rabun County again jumped out to an early lead this time of 12-4 on the way to the set win 25-11 and the match win 2-1.

The Raiders then faced a tough East Hall team in the final match of the night. It was the host Lady Vikings using an 11-4 run to open the first set in route to a 25-14 win. The second set with East Hall looked to be a runaway for the Vikings early after the host team scored 11 straight points to push out to a comfortable lead 12-6 lead. Madison County then turned things up a notch by rallying back to within three points late to close the margin to 24-21. East Hall closed the set and won the match by dropping in the game winning point to take the 25-21 win and 2-0 match win.

The Raiders will return to action on Tuesday night as they again travel to Gainesville to face Chestatee and Monroe Area in region matches beginning at 5:00.   

Raiders' comeback falls short against Prince

The varsity Volley Raiders stood their ground against region 6-A Prince Avenue at home on Wednesday night, but came up on the opposite end of victory. The Raiders dropped the first set 22-25 and battled to five ties in the set second eventually losing to Prince 21-25 and the overall match 0-2. Madison County trailed 12-1 at the start of the first set but rallied to get back into the contest in what turned out to be just a three point loss. Prince Avenue broke a 20-20 tie with a string of five unanswered points to capture the win in the second set in what was perhaps Madison County’s best performance this season. The Raiders had answers for just about every spike the Wolverines hit at them. Madison County played tough throughout the second set but simply couldn’t hang on after Prince scored the final five unanswered points.

The junior varsity squad fell 0-2 to Prince Avenue (15-25 and 14-25) in earlier action. Madison County will travel to Gainesville on Thursday to face East Hall and Rabun County (Varsity only) before visiting Chestatee next Tuesday.

Volley Raiders return home but lose twice

The Volleyball varsity Raiders returned home Tuesday night for the first time since the opening season match a month ago. The Raiders faced two region foes, Johnson and Walnut Grove, and came up on the losing end of each match. The varsity Raiders defeated Johnson in the first of three sets 25-20 and held a 6-1 lead in the second set but ended up on the losing end of a 25-20 score. With the split sets, the varsity squad had to play Johnson in a final and deciding third set. Johnson took the deciding set by a 25-16 score to win the overall match.

The varsity Raiders then faced a tough Walnut Grove team and the result wasn’t good as Madison County fell 0-2 by set scores of 15-25 and 14-25.

The junior varsity jumped out of the gate early in what turned out to be their first home match of the season. The JV Raiders defeated Johnson easily after running away with a 20-8 lead eventually winning the opening set 25-12. The JV Raiders then took the second set 25-11 to complete the sweep and take the match win. The JV Raiders were swept in the nightcap losing to Walnut Grove 25-16 and 27-25 in a heartbreaker. Madison County failed to hang on to a 16-5 lead in the second set allowing Walnut Grove to comeback and claim the set and match win.

The Volley Raiders will remain home on Wednesday night as they face Prince Avenue before hitting the road again on Thursday to face East Hall in Gainesville.

JV Volley Raiders win 2 lose 2 in tourney

The junior varsity took two of four matches Saturday in a play-in tournament at Oconee County High School. The Raiders faced Winder-Barrow in the first match of the tournament and came away with a 2-0 win. The JV Volley Raiders defeated the Bulldoggs by identical scores in both sets of 25-23. The Raiders then faced Clarke Central in the next match but this time came up on the short end of an 0-2 loss (23-25,23-25). Morgan County was next on the tournament agenda and Madison County fought to a third and deciding set but came up on the losing end of at 1-2 score. The Raiders lost the first set 23-25, won the second set 25-11 and dropped the deciding set and match 10-15. The Raiders ended the day by defeating the host Oconee team in three sets 2-1 (23-25,25-23,15-5).

Volley Raiders lose to West Hall, defeat Cedar Shoals

By Dallas Bordon

The wheels on the bus went round and round again as the Volley Raiders hit the road for the seventh straight time on Thursday night. This time the stop was in Gainesville at West Hall High School home of the region 5 (3A) Spartans. The home team came away victorious defeating Madison County’s varsity 2-0 (9-25, 16-25). The varsity Raiders bounced back in the later match taking winless Cedar Shoals to three sets before claiming the 2-1 win. Cedar won the first set 25-19 but the Raiders took control taking the second set 25-20 and the third set 25-10.

The junior varsity Raiders enjoyed their time on the west side of Gainesville by coming away with the sweep in their two matches. The JV Raiders defeated West Hall 2-0 (25-9, 25-18) and left town with a 2-0 win over Cedar Shoals. The JV Raiders took the first set 25-14 and finished the sweep 25-13.

The junior varsity squad will travel to Oconee County on Saturday to take part in a “play-in” tournament beginning at 10:30 am.

Madison County will return home for just the second time this season on September 17 facing Johnson and Walnut Grove beginning at 5:00. The Raiders will remain home for a match on the following night versus Prince Avenue at 6:00.

Volley Raiders pickup first region win

Junior Mackenzie LaZear

By Dallas Bordon

Madison County’s varsity volleyball Raiders traveled to Covington on Tuesday night to face Eastside and Walnut Grove in region matches. Madison County dropped the opening match to Walnut Grove 0-2 (19-25, 17-25) but rebounded to defeat a winless Eastside team 2-0 (25-23,25-23) for their first region win. The varsity Raiders record stands at 6-8 overall and 1-2 in region play.

The junior varsity girls also lost to Walnut Grove 0-2 (14-25, 18-25) and bounced back to defeat host Eastside 2-0 (25-20, 25-15). The junior varsity Raiders’ record stands at 5-6. Madison County will travel to Gainesville on Thursday night to face West Hall and Cedar Shoals beginning at 6:00. The Volley Raiders will return home on September 17 versus Johnson of Gainesville and Walnut Grove at 5:00.

The junior varsity Raiders will also play this Saturday in Watkinsville in the Oconee County Play-in Tournament beginning at 10:30 am.

NE Georgia Junior Varsity Shootout

NE Georgia Junior Varsity Shootout, September 14, 2013 at Oconee County High School

10:30 am. Winder-Barrow vs Madison County
11:30 am. Clarke Central vs Madison County
2:30 pm. Madison County vs Morgan County
3:30 pm. Madison County vs Oconee County

Best 2 out of 3 to 25 points  (3^rd to 15 points) .   The next game will start 8min. after the conclusion of the previous match with a 4-4 warm-up time.

The team listed first on the schedule will be considered the home team. 

Volley Raiders oust Shiloh, lose to Habersham Central

Senior Ariel Jones

JV Volley Raider Hannah Moore

By Dallas Bordon

The Madison County Volley Raiders were on the road once again on Thursday night. This time the location was Mount Airy and the home of another squad of Raiders; Habersham Central. Madison County’s varsity opened play on Thursday night with a 2-0 win over Shiloh by scores of 25-21 and 25-19, but were handed their seventh loss of the season in the nightcap losing to the host Habersham Raiders 0-2 (8-25, 16-25).

In the opening set against Shiloh, the Raiders opened a 14-8 lead but had to hold off Shiloh to take the 25-21 win. In the second set, Madison County never trailed and ended up winning the set 25-19 to take the overall match. Habersham’s 9-2 squad swept the Raiders in the late action 25-8 and 25-16 to take the match 2-0.

The junior varsity Raiders breezed past Shiloh 2-0 winning the first set 25-11 and second set by a 25-16 score. Madison County opened a 10-2 lead in the second set to pave the way to the match win. Habersham Central’s JV squad opened a 20-9 lead before fighting off a Raider rally to earn the 25-12 win in the first set of the nightcap. Madison County bounced back to edge Habersham in the second set 25-23 to force a final deciding set. Habersham then picked up the match win by defeating the Raiders 25-10 in the third set.

Volley Raiders defeat Pickens, but lose to Lumpkin

Senior Taylor Hallenbeck

By Dallas Bordon

The Madison County Volley Raiders hit the road for their longest road trip of the season to Lumpkin County on Thursday. At the end of the road to Indian land awaited the 0-7 Lumpkin County team. The Indians collected their first win of the season at the hands of the Raiders as Lumpkin pushed past Madison County 2-0 (25-19, 25-16). The Raiders bounced back to defeat Pickens in the late match by a 2-0 score (27-25 and 25-21). With the spit, Madison County’s record now stands at 4-6 on the season. Lumpkin County is in region 8 (4A) with Madison County but Thursday’s match didn’t count towards the region record. Madison County will face Lumpkin County again on October 1. That rematch with the Indians will be a region contest.

The junior varsity Raiders also lost to Lumpkin County but defeated Pickens in the late match. The junior varsity Volley Raiders currently hold a 3-4 record.

Madison County hit the road again to Habersham County on September 5^th to face the Habersham Raiders and Shiloh beginning at 6:00.

Volley Raiders lose close one to Lanier, defeat Berkmar

Brikkel Rucker

Mackenzie LaZear

By Dallas Bordon

The Madison County Volley Raiders opened region play at Lanier on Tuesday night. The varsity Raiders and Longhorns battled through three sets before Lanier squeaked out with the 2-1 win. Madison County took the opening set by a 25-23 score and Lanier pushed past the Raiders in the second set 25-13 to force a third and deciding set. Lanier used a run of 9-0 to earn the early 13-4 lead, but Madison County answered by pulling to within three points following strong serves by Mackenzie LaZear and key blocked shots by Mya Moss. Jessica Hill was the recipient of back to back point serves late and LaZear added a spike that ended up tying the game at 22-22. Lanier then pulled away with three unanswered points to win the set 25-22 and overall match.

The varsity Volley Raiders then swept Berkmar in the nightcap 2-0 (25-12, 29-27). The junior varsity Raiders suffered a loss to Lanier 0-2 (16-25, 12-25). 

Volley Raiders fall to Prince Ave

Senior Courtney Escoe goes up for a shot against
Prince Ave

Josie Mackenzie takes on two Prince Ave defenders

By Dallas Bordon
The Madison County Volley Raiders took it on the chin on Thursday night at region 6 (A) Prince Ave Christian School. The Lady Wolverines varsity entered the night with a 1-4 mark but came away with the sweep 0-2, 0-2 over the varsity Raiders. Madison County's varsity record now stands at 2-4 as they enter region play next Tuesday night at Lanier.
Madison County dropped the opening match by scores of 11-25 and 20-25 and then fell in the second match 23-25, despite a comeback midway through, and 11-25 in the second set. The Raiders trailed 11-2 early in the second set of the final match before closing the margin late, but wasn't able to slow down Prince Ave in the end.
The Junior Varsity Raiders lost for only the second time in two years as they also dropped both matches to Prince Ave 0-2, 0-2. Prince Ave breezed in the first match winning both sets 25-13 and 25-19. The JV Volley Raiders gave the Wolverines all they wanted in the second match but still came up on the short end of both sets 18-25 and 16-25. The JV Raiders record sits at the 500 mark at 2-2 as they prepare to face Lanier on Tuesday night.

Varsity Raiders earn split while JV sweeps

Sam Watson saves the ball from
going out of bounds against East Jackson.

Cameron Faulkner blocks a shot
against Tallulah Falls.

By Dallas Bordon

The Madison County volleyball Raiders hit the road for the first time this season on Tuesday night. The varsity Volley Raiders visited East Jackson High School and came away with a split moving their record to 2-2. Madison County played Tallulah Falls in the opening match and came up on the short end of a 0-2 score. Tallulah Falls (Region 6-A) defeated the Volley Raiders 25-22 in the first set and won the nightcap 25-15.

The Raiders rebounded to defeat the host team East Jackson (Region 6 3A) 2-0 (25-17, 25-19). This was Madison County’s second win over East Jackson in this early season.

The Volley Raider junior varsity picked up where they left off last season by sweeping Tallulah Falls 2-0 (25-17, 25-17). The junior varsity completed the sweep by downing host East Jackson 2-0 (25-7, 25-14). Both teams will face Prince Ave Christian Thursday night in Bogart.

Volley Raiders earn a split in season opener

The Volley Raiders' varsity celebrates after sweeping
East Jackson 2-0 in Friday's home opener

Photo By Dallas Bordon

By Dallas Bordon
Coach Steve Crouse and his newly formed coaching staff jump started a new era for Madison County High School volleyball in Friday night's home opener. Crouse was hoping for a large crowd and student body; they were there. He hoped that his varsity squad would play hard and they did.
Facing a tough Gainesville team from region 8 (5A), Madison County dropped two straight 15-24 and 21-25 losing 0-2. Madison County rebounded in the nightcap defeating region 6 (3A) East Jackson County 25-10 and 25-16 giving Crouse his first win as head coach.
The Volley Raiders gave Gainesville all they wanted in the first match of the evening. With both teams tied at 7-7, Gainesville pulled away with 8 unanswered points to earn a 15-7 lead. Madison County stayed within striking distance pulling to within 9 points twice late, but Gainesville fought off the Raiders to take the 25-15 win. The Red Elephants appeared to be in cruise control in the second set after jumping out to a 17-9 lead. Mya Moss answered the call with two strong spikes to later close Gainesville's margin to 18-17. Gainesville answered with four straight points of their own to eventually seal the 25-21 win to take the match 2-0.
Madison County rebounded against East Jackson in the late match. The Volley Raiders swept East Jackson 25-10 and 25-16 to take the 2-0 win. In the first set, Madison County pulled out to a 12-3 lead and later opened a 20-8 advantage on the way to the win. The second set with East Jackson was a little tighter as both teams battled to a 7-7 tie early. Sam Watson put Madison County out if front with a huge spike and LaZear followed with another nonreturnable spike to push the Raiders out to a 13-8 lead. East Jackson battled back to within one point, but that would be as close as they would get to Madison County's lead. Mackenzie LaZear sealed the deal by serving 7 straight points to pull the Raiders out to a 21-14 lead on the way to the win.
Madison County's varsity and junior varsity will travel to East Jackson on Tuesday night to face Talluah Falls and East Jackson beginning at 6:00.

Volley Raiders 2013 Schedule

August 16

Varsity lost to Gainesville 0-2 (18-24, 21-25)
Varsity defeated E. Jackson 2-0 (25-10, 25-16)

August 20

Varsity lost to Tallulah 0-2 (22-25, 15-25) defeated East Jackson 2-0 (25-17, 25-19)

Junior Varsity defeated Tallulah Falls 2-0 (25-17, 25-17) 
defeated East Jackson 2-0 (25-7, 25-14)

August 22

Varsity lost to Prince Ave 0-2, 0-2

Junior Varsity lost to Prince Ave 0-2, 0-2

August 27

Varsity lost to Lanier 1-2 (25-23, 13-25, 22-25) beat Berkmar 2-0 (25-12, 29-27)

Junior Varsity lost to Lanier 0-2 (16-25, 12-25)

August 29 

Varsity lost to Lumpkin County 0-2 (19-25, 16-25) beat Pickens 2-0 (27-25, 25-21)

Junior Varsity lost to Lumpkin County and beat Walnut Grove

September 5

Varsity defeated Shiloh 20- (25-21,25-19) Lost to Habersham Cent. 0-2 (8-25,16-25)

Junior Varsity defeated Shiloh 2-0 (25-11,25-16) lost to Habersham Cent. 1-2 (12-25,25-23,10-25)

September 10

Varsity defeated Eastside 2-0 (25-23,25-23) Lost to Walnut Grove 0-2 (19-25,17-25)

Junior Varsity defeated Eastside 2-0 (25-20,25-15) Lost to Walnut Grove 0-2 (14-25,18-25)

September 12

Varsity lost to West Hall 0-2 (9-25,16-25) defeated Cedar Shoals 2-1 (19-25,25-20,25-10)

Junior Varsity defeated West Hall 2-0 (25-9,25-18) defeated Cedar Shoals 2-0 (25-14,25-13)
September 14
Junior Varsity defeated Winder-Barrow 2-0 (25-23,25-23) Lost to Clarke Central 0-2 (23-25,23-25)
Lost to Morgan County 1-2 (23-25,25-11,10-15) defeated Oconee County 2-1 (23-25,25-23,15-5)

September 17

Varsity lost to Johnson 1-2 (25-20,20-25,16-25) lost to Walnut Grove 0-2 (15-25,14-25)

Junior Varsity defeated Johnson 2-0 (25-12,25-11) lost to Walnut Grove 0-2 (16-25,25-27)

September 18

Varsity lost to Prince Ave 0-2 (22-25,21-25)

Junior Varsity lost to Prince Ave 0-2 (15-25,14-25)
September 19
Varsity lost to Rabun County 1-2 (21-25,25-15,11-25) lost to East Hall 0-2 (14-25,21-25)
Junior Varsity did not play

September 24

Varsity lost to Chestatee 0-2 (19-25,14-25) defeated Monroe Area 2-0 (25-15,25-23)

Junior Varsity defeated Chestatee 2-0 (25-18,25-18) defeated Monroe Area 2-0 (25-15,25-16)

September 26

Varsity split with Cedar Shoals Won 2-1 (23-25,25-16,25-12) Lost 0-2 (18-25,21-25)

Junior Varsity defeated Cedar Shoals 2-0, 2-0 (25-17,25-17) (25-9,25-19)

September 28

Varsity defeated Monroe Area 2-1 (25-12,14-25,15-12) lost to Loganville 0-2 (19-25,12-25)
lost to Winder Barrow 1-2 (25-14,19-25,7-15) lost to Walnut Grove 0-2 (8-25, NA)

October 1

Varsity lost to Lumpkin County 0-2 (10-25,18-24) lost to Tallulah Falls 0-2 (14-25,23-25)

Junior Varsity lost to Lumpkin County 0-2 (12-25,15-25) JV season over.

October 3

Varsity lost to Athens Christian 1-3 (25-21,12-25,13-25,23-25)

October 10 & 12

Varsity Tournament at Monroe Area 300 Double Spring Church Rd, Monroe, Ga 30655 

Time TBA

Ace Booster Club Membership

Interested in joining the ACE Booster Club? Below is the different types of membership levels. If interested in becoming a member and would like to purchase a membership to support the Volley Raiders email: aceboosterclub@gmail.com

$30.00
Season Pass Holder (1 membership fee + season pass)
$50.00 
Entry Level (1 membership fee + 1 pass + 1 T-shirt and 1 decal)
$100.00 
Bronze Level (2 membership fees + 2 passes +2 T-shirts + 2 decals)
$200.00
Silver Level (2 membership fees + 4 passes + 4 T-shirts + 2 decals)
$300.00
Gold Level (2 membership fees + 6 passes + 6 T-shirts + 2 decals)

Crouse to take over Madison County volleyball program

Article published in a spring issue of The Madison County Journal

New Volley Raider Head Coach
Steve Crouse

By Dallas Bordon
Coach Steve Crouse will soon make a transition from one court to another. Recently, Crouse reversed duties with his assistant coach Tim Drake who will now serve as head basketball coach at Madison County. With Drake heading up the basketball program, Crouse will serve as his assistant.
Athletic Director David McGee announced recently that Crouse will also take over as head volleyball coach at Madison County, replacing Kristen Delay, who also serves as head coach of the middle school soccer program. Delay has served as head volleyball coach for the past six season at Madison County High School and departs following a 10-16 season in 2012-13.
"We appreciate Coach Kristen Delay and the service she provided to our volleyball program," said McGee. "We wish her the best as she pursues new opportunities in the field of education." Also leaving the program will be first year coach Suzanne Howard, who like Delay, teaches at the Middle School.
According to McGee, Coach Crouse brings a strong history of high school coaching at this position. "He understands the things necessary to develop not only players but also the total program," said McGee. Coach Crouse has already hit the ground running and will soon be meeting with the parents to plan and organize a Booster Club, meet with the players to make plans for workouts, and also plans to work with the middle school coaches to try and develop a 7 through 12 seamless program. "As I told the girls, Coach Crouse is the type of person and coach that I would want my own daughters to play for. We are very excited to have Coach Crouse as the new head coach of our volleyball program," said McGee.

Cooper and Allen to join volleyball staff

Article published in a summer issue of The Madison County Journal

Assistant Coach Brooke Allen

Assistant Coach Kyle Cooper

By Dallas Bordon
Raider head coach Steve Crouse has added two familiar faces to his volleyball coaching staff. Madison County alumni Kyle Cooper and Brooke Allen will complete the revamping of the Volley Raiders' staff this coming season. Allen, a 2008 graduate, played both basketball and volleyball as a Raider. She was previously coaching at 8-AAAA Apalachee High School prior to her joining Crouse's staff.
Allen served as Apalachee's junior varsity coach last season under head coach Joey Alfonso who led the Wildcats to a 39-10. 9-0 record last season. "Coach Crouse asked me to join the coaching staff for my insight on how the game is played and my experience teaching the game to girls who have never played before," Allen said. "Since I was once a part of the MCHS volleyball program, it has always been close to my heart." Crouse welcomes the experience Allen brings to the court. "I really enjoy the energy and experience from her time a AHS that she is bringing to our workout sessions," said first year head coach Steve Crouse. Allen, hired in May to teach Science at Madison County beginning this fall, has her goals set for the 2013/14 Volley Raiders. "My goals for the team are to make Madison County competitive in region 8-AAAA once again and also to create a group of girls that will make an impact on their community as successful student-athletes," Allen said. "I'm enjoying being back home and being with the girls in summer practices. I look forward to a great volleyball season this fall."
Kyle Cooper, a 2007 graduate of Madison County High School, will also serve as an assistant coach under Steve Crouse. Cooper is a special education co-teacher at the high school, working primarily in twelfth grade Language Arts classes. Cooper is also the head junior varsity baseball coach at Madison County. Along with the volleyball summer workouts, Cooper will also be participating in a Summer Writing Extravaganza with three other teachers for students who either want to catch up or get ahead on their writing ability. As for his newly added position with the Volley Raiders, Cooper looks forward to what's ahead. "I am very excited to be a part of a volleyball program that has potential to grow immensely," said Cooper. "Many girls have shown up to the first few summer workouts and all have brought fantastic attitudes and a willingness to work hard and improve. Nothing motivates coaches to want to work hard for their team than having players that are willing to learn, give it their all, and are great individuals on and off the court and I believe we have that within Madison County's volleyball program. Combine the student-athletes we have with Coach Crouse and Coach Allen's knowledge of volleyball and ability to coach, I think this team can do great things."
With the new staff in place, first year head coach Crouse will now focus on turning around a Raider volleyball program that finished the past three seasons with a combined 15-65 record.

Volley Raiders hoping to turn things around in 2013

Article published in a summer issue of The Madison County Journal

By Dallas Bordon
First year head coach Steve Crouse has his Volley Raiders working hard in summer workouts. The new volleyball staff of Crouse, Brooke Allen, and Kyle Cooper will enter the 2013-14 season with hopes of reviving the volleyball program and turning it back into a winning tradition.
The rebuilding of the program started shortly after school dismissed for summer. The Volley Raiders have been holding two and three workouts a week at their temporary middle school home floor. Due to ongoing construction at the high school, the 2013/14 Volley Raiders will call the Home of the Mustangs (Madison County Middle School) their home court. Madison County will play just 10 of its 31 regular season matches at the middle school gym in Comer.
Crouse enters his new position with hopes that this year's team will draw together a much-needed fan base. Getting the student body involved and interested in Madison County Volleyball will also be one of the aims of the newly formed ACE Booster Club.
The 2013 Volley Raiders will open the regular season August 16 with the varsity squad hosting Gainesville and East Jackson. The varsity and junior varsity squads will then hit the road for their first away matches August 20, facing East Jackson and Tallulah at East Jackson High School.

Meet the MCHS Volley Raiders

Brikkel Rucker #3
Varsity Senior

Paige Criddle #4
Varsity Senior

Mackenzie LaZear #9
Varsity Junior

Taylor Hallenbeck #17
Varsity Senior

Mya Moss #7
Varsity Junior

Jessica Hill #22
Varsity Senior

Ashley Soto-Gonzalez #8
Varsity Senior

Courtney Escoe #19
Varsity Senior

Ariel Jones #14
Varsity Senior

Sam Watson #5
Varsity Freshman

Jailie Bullock #16
JV Freshman

Amber Adams #15
JV Sophomore

Hannah Bordon #21
JV Sophomore

Josie Mackenzie #20
JV Sophomore

Taylor Kimsey #13
JV Sophomore

Kassie Schell #12
JV Junior

Chelsea Mewborn #17
JV Freshman

Zakia Hall #18
JV Freshman

Cameron Faulkner #22
JV Freshman

Hannah Moore #1
JV Freshman