JV Raiders win twice, varsity gets swept

The Volleyball Raiders got the region portion of their schedule started on the wrong foot Tuesday night by losing to Monroe Area 0-2 and Chestatee 0-2 at Monroe Area High School. The Raiders dropped the first set by a 15-25 score and fell in the second set 19-25 eventually losing the match. Madison County then dropped two sets to Chestatee by scores of 19-25 and 21-25.

The Junior Varsity Raiders defeated Monroe in three sets 2-1 and finished off Chestatee 2-1 in the night cap. The junior varsity Raiders won the first set against Monroe 25-12 but dropped the second set 23-25 to force a third set where the Raiders took the match by winning 25-18. The match with Chestatee also went in to a third a deciding set with Madison County winning the first set 26-24, lost the second set 24-26, but took the match win with a 25-14 win in the third set.

The Raiders will host Stephens County and Athens Christian on Thursday night. Madison County will honor the anniversary of  9/11 by recognizing the Madison County emergency service workers. All emergency workers wearing their uniforms will be admitted free.

Volley Raiders earn split in Hartwell

The Volley Raiders had one last tune-up before opening region play next week by taking on Jefferson and Hart County Thursday night in Hartwell. Jefferson won the first match 2-0 (25-19 and 25-13) but the Raiders bounced back by taking down the host Hart County team 2-0 (25-21 and 25-7).
Madison County battled with a tough Jefferson team in both sets. In the first set, the Raiders edged back from a 17-13 deficit midway through cutting the lead to 18-16 but that would be as close as the Volley Raiders would get. The Lady Dragons pulled away scoring four unanswered points and held off a late rally by Madison County, despite three consecutive point serves from Amber Adams, to take the win. 
In the second set, the Raiders' Mya Moss scored on a kill to tie the set at 7-7 but the Lady Dragons had an answer once again later in the set by rolling off five straight points to retake a 17-9 lead. Jefferson later extended their lead to 23-10 eventually pulling away with the set and match win.
Madison County wrapped up the night's play by sweeping Hart County 2-0. The first set, the Raiders were in a battle with the host team. Hart County battled back to tie the set on five different occasions but Mya Moss gave the Raiders a little breathing room by rolling off three straight point serves to extend the lead to 23-20 and Mackenzie LaZear put the lid on the win by scoring the winning point on a kill.
The second set with the Bulldogs was never in doubt. Sam Watson got things rolling by serving seven unanswered points and Amber Adams went on a six point serving streak late to push the Volley Raiders out to an 18-3 advantage. LaZear would strike again later in the set by knocking down three more kills to pace Madison County to the 25-7 set win and 2-0 match win. 

Volley Raiders get wins at home

The varsity Volley Raiders picked up two wins at home on Tuesday night defeating Walnut Grove 2-0 (25-13, 25-13) and Cedar Shoals 2-0 (25-20, 25-14). Madison County is coming off a second place finish in a tournament at Walnut Grove on Saturday. The Volley Raiders opened the tournament losing to East Hall twice (13-25, 17-25) and followed that match with two wins over Cedar Shoals (25-16, 25-10). Madison County then lost to Salem 0-2 (24-26, 20-25) but bounced back to eliminate the host Walnut Grove team 2-1 (20-25, 25-22, 15-10). The Raiders picked up steam in the next match by defeating Salem 2-0 (25-19, 25-23) and then handed East Hall their first set loss of the tournament 26-24. East Hall tied the match by defeating the Raiders 25-12 forcing a deciding third set in which East Hall edged Madison County 15-13.
Junior Varsity
On Tuesday night at home, the junior varsity squad lost their first match to Walnut Grove 0-2 (22-25, 21-25) but closed the night in an exciting match against Cedar Shoals. The JV Raiders won the first set 24-13 but dropped the second set 20-25 forcing a third set. Cedar Shoals held a comfortable lead late in the deciding set but the Raiders battled back to take the set and match win 28-26.

Clean Sweep!

By Dallas Bordon
The Volley Raiders are on a roll. Madison County recorded another sweep on Thursday night by defeating Hart County and host team Jackson County 2-0. The night started off on a odd note as the varsity squad arrived in Jefferson without jerseys. The jerseys were retrieved in time and they came with a pack of brooms as both varsity and junior varsity squads came away with a clean sweep. The junior varsity Volley Raiders downed Hart County 2-0 (25-23,25-17) and the host team Jackson County 2-0 (25-18, 25-23).
The varsity squad won by scores of 25-18 and 25-18 over Hart County and completed the sweep with a win over Jackson County by scores of 25-13 and 25-18.
Madison County pulled out to an early 20-17 lead in the first set against Hart County and closed the set after getting four straight point serves from junior Taylor Kimsey. In the second set against Hart County, Kimsey rolled off six straight point serves pulling Madison County from a 15-17 point deficit eventually grabbing match win.
The Volley Raiders faced a tough Jackson County team in the nightcap. Madison County battled with the Lady Panthers throughout the set tying the game twice before senior Mackenzie LaZear knocked down a kill and then rolled off 11 straight point serves to give the Raiders a 25-13 win. Madison County then opened the second set with a 5-0 lead and later extended the advantage to 18-5 after Hannah Bordon served on five consecutive point serves. Jackson County answered with six unanswered points to close the margin to 18-11 but another kill from LaZear put the momentum back on the side of the Red and Gray. Madison County kept the momentum on their side of the court on the way to the match win.
The Raiders will travel to Walnut Grove on Saturday for a play-in tournament beginning at 10 a.m.
 

Raiders Sweep Hart County in Season Opener

The Volley Raiders (6-1) broke in their newly renovated home by sweeping Hart County in Monday night's home opener. Both varsity and junior varsity teams won their matches 4-0. The varsity squad defeated Hart County 25-19, 25-20, 25-15, and 25-22. The junior varsity cleaned house by defeating Hart County by scores of 25-13, 25-16, 25-11, and 25-7. Madison County will travel Jackson County on Thursday for a 5:00 match. 

Volley Raiders win 2 of 3 in season opener

The Volley Raiders opened the 2014 season at East Hall on Thursday night and came away with two wins and one loss. Madison County defeated Johnson of Gainesville 2-1, losing the first set 21-25 but rebounding to win set two 25-22 and set three 25-23. The Volley Raiders were then defeated by the host team East Hall 0-2 (17-25 and 14-25). The Raiders capped off the night by pushing passed East Jackson 2-0 winning the first set 25-17 and the second 25-11.
Senior Mya Moss sent the opening match with Johnson into a third and deciding set by knocking down a kill for the game winning point. The Raiders took the deciding set after fighting off a late surge by Johnson to claim the two point win. 
In the loss to East Hall, the Lady Vikings broke a 14-14 tie in the first set by rolling off six straight points and later sealed the deal by outscoring Madison County 5-0 to take the first set. In the second set versus East Hall, The Lady Vikings pulled away from a 10-10 tie by rolling off eight unanswered points on the way to the set and match win. 
In the third match of the night, the Volley Raiders fought back from a 14-7 deficit in the first set and got seven straight point serves from junior Amber Adams to tie the set at 14-14. Sam Watson then closed first the set by scoring on eight straight point serves giving the Lady Raiders the eight point win. Senior Mackenzie LaZear followed Watson's string of scoring serves in the second set with nine straight of her own giving Madison County a commanding 20-10 lead that led to a sweep over East Jackson. 
Madison County will open the home portion of their schedule on Monday night at 5:00. 

Meet The 2014 Volley Raiders

2014 Madison County Volley Raiders

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”

#9 Mackenzie Lazear
Varsity Senior

# 8 Josie McKenzie
Varsity Junior

#21 Hannah Bordon
Varsity Junior

#5 Mya Moss
Varsity Senior

#20 Amber Adams
Varsity Junior

#17 Taylor Kimsey
Varsity Junior

#18 Cameron Faulkner
Varsity Sophomore

#14 Holly Glenn
Varsity Sophomore

#10 Samantha Watson
Varsity Sophomore

#19 Savannah Armstrong
JV Sophomore

#18 Zakia Hall
JV Sophomore

#3 Alden Loftis
JV Freshman

#1 Hannah Moore
JV Sophomore

#13 Baylee Roberts
JV Freshman

#17 Lindsay Collins
JV Freshman

#9 Graci Hallenbeck
JV Freshman

#5 Hannah Sims
JV Sophomore

#12 Haley Fricks
JV Freshman

#6 Savannah Bird
JV Freshman

#7 Emma Bennett
JV Freshman

#21 Merry Skelton
JV Freshman

#16 Jailie Bullock
JV Sophomore

#11 Sydney Emery
JV Freshman

2014 Volley Raiders Schedule

August 14

(Varsity Only) vs East Hall, East Jackson, Johnson 

Location: East Hall Time: 5:00

August 16

JV Play Date

Location: North Oconee Time: TBA

August 18

vs Hart County

Location: MCHS Time: 5:00 JV and Varsity

August 21

vs Jackson County and Hart County

Location: Jackson County Time: 6:00 JV and Varsity

August 23

Play Date (Varsity Only)

Location: Walnut Grove Time: All Day

August 26

vs Walnut Grove and Cedar Shoals

Location: MCHS Time 5:00 JV and Varsity

August 28

vs Tallulah Falls and Yeshiva

Location: Tallulah Falls Time: TBA (Varsity Only)

September 4

vs Hart County and Jefferson

Location: Hart County Time: 5:00 JV and Varsity

September 6

Play Date

Location: MCHS Time: 9:00, 10:30, 12:15 (Varsity Only)

September 9

vs Monroe and Chestatee

Location: Monroe Time: 5:00 JV and Varsity

September 11

vs Stephens County, Athens Christian

Location: MCHS Time: 5:00 JV and Varsity

September 16

vs North Hall, Johnson

Location: MCHS Time: 5:00 JV and Varsity

September 18

vs Athens Christian, Hart County 

Location: Athens Time: 5:00 JV and Varsity

September 23

vs Buford, North Oconee

Location: North Oconee Time: 6:00 JV and Varsity

September 25

vs Stephens County 

Location: Toccoa Time: 6:00 JV and Varsity

September 30

vs White County, West Hall

Location: MCHS Time: 5:00 (JV ONLY)

October 1

vs Stephens County 

Location: MCHS Time: JV 5:00 Varsity 6:00

SENIOR NIGHT

October 2

vs Tallulah Falls, Cedar Shoals

Location: Cedar Shoals Time: 6:00 JV and Varsity

October 7,9,11

Area Tournament 

Location: Monroe Time: TBA (Varsity Only)

M.C.R.D. Volleyball Camp Offered

The Madison County Recreation Department is offering a Volleyball Camp for girls beginning Monday, July 21-Friday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Madison County Middle School. The fee for this camp is $40.00 and includes a t-shirt for participants registered by Tuesday, July 15. This camp is open to rising 4th through 7th grade girls.
Camp participants will learn the fundamentals of volleyball including serving, bumping, passing, setting and spiking. Campers will be broken down into individual groups based on their ability and age to insure that each player gets the attention they need to take their game to the next level. 
On Friday, contests will be held and awards will be given out. Parents are encouraged to attend this session. Spaces are limited so be sure to register early. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. 
For registration information or other information concerning this camp, please visit the recreation department website at www.madcorec.com or contact the recreation department at 795-6270.

Emmanuel Volleyball camp comes to Madison County

The Volley Raiders welcomed first year Emmanuel College Head Volleyball Coach Latonia Allen to Madison County last week. Allen held a two day volleyball camp for the Volley Raiders. Around 25 girls were in attendance for the camp. See the MCHS Volleyball Raiders Facebook page for the complete picture gallery of the camp.

Volley Raiders aim to fill voids

By Dallas Bordon
Madison County Journal Sports

Lady Raider Volleyball Coach Steve Crouse is excited about entering his second season with the team this fall. But there will be plenty of shoes to fill in 2014, since his team lost seven seniors. “We really lost a lot of great senior class; we lost a lot of leadership and skilled players who understood the game,” said Crouse. But a large number of girls are showing interest in playing this fall. Nearly thirty five girls showed up at a team meeting near the end of the school year and that number was not including the number of girls that will make the transition from high school to middle school this fall. And Crouse is encouraged by their enthusiasm. “We have had a great turnout this summer and have had a lot of young girls who are really interested in learning the game and getting involved with volleyball,” said Crouse. “We’re trying to progress as much as we can throughout the summer to get these young girls up to speed, but we’re really excited about the turnout and enthusiasm that we’re having so far this summer.”

Last year’s group of varsity Raiders made history by advancing to the state tournament for the first time. The Lady Raiders defeated Eastside and Lumpkin County in the region tournament to qualify for the state tournament where they lost to Locust Grove. Entering this fall’s season, the Lady Raiders will return just three of the girls that made the state tournament last season. The three returning varsity players include the height of MacKenzie LaZear, Mya Moss and the very experienced Samantha Watson. Watson was the only member of last season’s team to make the varsity squad as a freshman. Still with plenty of vacancies to be filled on varsity, the three returning players will provide next season’s squad with plenty of power. Watson’s position at setter is a key spot on the floor because of her ability to feed hitters like LaZear and Moss at the net.

Crouse and his returning assistants Kyle Cooper and Brooke Allen are currently holding summer workouts that will last until the final week of July. Mixed in the middle of workouts will be an Emmanuel Camp that will be held at the middle school June 18^th from 5-8 pm and June 19 which will be an all day camp. The girls will also play scrimmage matches at Appalachee High School on July 28, 29, and 30^th leading up to tryouts which will be held on July 31 and August 1. Also included in summer sessions will be a Kids Camp on July 21 through the 25^th also at the middle school.

The Lady Raiders’ season schedule includes eight home matches with possibly more added later. “Stephens County has contacted us as possible added matches,” said Crouse. “This will be Stephens County’s first year of volleyball both varsity and junior varsity so we are looking to add them to the schedule.” Last season’s Volley Raiders played limited home matches in the middle school gym due to the construction at the new high school. Crouse’s girls will be back on their own courts at the high school this coming season and will be hoping for large crowds to support this season’s squad. The Volley Raiders open the season on the road at East Hall High School on August 14 and will open their home season August 26 versus Cedar Shoals. 

Revised Volleyball Summer Schedule

The summer workout schedule has been revised.. Please note the changes...

May 27 6:30 pm at the middle school
May 28 6:45 pm at the middle school
June 3 4:00 pm at the middle school
June 5 4:30 pm at the middle school
June 11 6:30 pm at the middle school
June 12 9-11 am at the middle school
June 18 Volleyball Camp with Emmanuel College coach at the MC Middle School 5-8 pm
June 19 Volleyball Camp with Emmanuel College coach at the MC Middle School (All Day)
June 25 4:00 pm at the middle school
June 26 4:00 pm at the middle school

July 8 Optional Workout 9-11 am at the middle school
July 10 Optional Workout 9-11 am at the middle school
July 15 Morning Practice at the middle school-- Time TBA
July 16 Volleyball scrimmage games at Johnson High School in Gainesville
July 17 Volleyball scrimmage games at Johnson High School in Gainesville
July 21& 22 MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12 am and practice 1-3 pm at the middle school
July 23 MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12 am at the middle school
July 24 MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12 am and practice 1-3 pm at the middle school
July 25 MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12 am at the middle school
July 28 Volleyball scrimmage games at Appalachee HS
July 29 Volleyball scrimmage games at Appalachee HS
July 30 Volleyball scrimmage games at Appalachee HS
July 31 Tryouts 5-8 pm
August 1 Tryouts 9-11 am 
August 2 Picture Day at the high school in the morning hours

A Letter From Head Coach Steve Crouse (Important)

Lady Raider Volleyball Players and Parents......

Welcome to the start of the 2014 Season. We are very excited about the opportunity to get back in the gym and begin workouts in preparation for the upcoming season. Here is some information about summer workouts and requirements for participation in the program as well as team expectations.
1. Tryouts will be held on July 31 (5-8 PM) and August 1 (9-11 AM) at the Madison County MIDDLE School.
2. All players must have a current physical on file and other required paperwork on file with the Athletic Director before participating in summer workouts or tryouts.
3. Forms can be found in the front office or online at the high school website. http://www.madison.k12.ga.us
Selection Process

• We will select the best players for the positions available regardless of grade or previous participation. 
• Players will be evaluated based on skills level and ability to execute these skills on the court.
• We will conduct strength and fitness testing similar to last year.
• We will also evaluate intangible attributes like enthusiasm, work ethic, coach ability, leadership, attitude, commitment....

The summer workout calendar is below including tryout date and time.
The Emmanuel College Volleyball camp is one that we hope all of our players can attend together.
We are looking forward to this year and having the privilege to coach another great team of Volley Raiders. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Follow us on the MCHS Volleyball Raiders Facebook page. www.facebook.com/MchsVolleyballRaiders?ref=hl
and www.volleyraiders.blogspot.com
We also have a Volley Raider Booster Club that all parents are invited to join.. Follow the Facebook Page for dates of meetings.

Press on,
Coach Crouse (Cell 706-247-5304 | Email scrouse@madison.k12.ga.us
Coach Allen & Coach Cooper

Important Summer Dates:
May 27 & 28: Volleyball workouts 6:30 p.m.(27th) and 6:45 p.m. (28th).
June 3: Volleyball workouts 4:00 p.m.
June 5: Volleyball workouts 4:30 p.m.
June 11: Volleyball workouts 6:30 p.m.
June 12: Volleyball workouts 6:30 p.m.
June 18: Volleyball workouts 4:00 p.m.
June 19: Volleyball workouts 11:00 a.m.
June 25: Volleyball workouts 4:00 p.m.
June 26: Volleyball workouts 4:00 p.m.
July 8 & 10: Optional Workouts 4-6 p.m.
July 13-16: EMMANUEL COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL CAMP
July 21: MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12, practice 1-3
July 22: MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12, practice 1-3
July 23: MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12
July 24: MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12, practice 1-3
July 25: MCHS Volleyball Kids Camp 9-12
July 28: Scrimmage games at Appalachee HS
July 29: Scrimmage games at Appalachee HS
July 30: Scrimmage games at Appalachee HS
July 31: TRYOUTS 5-8 p.m.
August 1: TRYOUTS 9-11 a.m.
August 2: Picture Day at the high school in the a.m.