Fort volleyball team has new leadership

By Roger Lee

Contributing Writer

North Charleston – The Fort Dorchester Girls Volleyball team had some success early this season.

Megan Foley took over the Fort program this Fall. A former four-year starter for Coker College who received All-Conference honors in 2008 and set the program record for most kills in a match in 2007, Foley finished her collegiate career with 1,387 kills. She was also a highly decorated Pinewood Prep athlete who was a four-time varsity letterman for not only the volleyball team but also the Panthers’ basketball, soccer and softball teams.

Under her guidance, the Patriots jumped out to an 8-3 start. Fort Dorchester placed first in the bronze division at the Orangeburg Wilkinson tournament in August and was the runner-up in the silver division Sept. 14 at the Palmetto Christian Academy tournament. 

“The girls are seeing they can play and compete,” Foley said. “We run a fast tempo offense and as long as we continue to get the first ball of play where it needs to be, we can continue to capitalize on that strength.”

However, the team has struggle since it got into its region schedule and lost some key matches.

Braeden Kessler, Annamarie Picciano, Izzy Kerce, Hannah Wallace and Abby Thompkins are all returning starters for the Patriots. Kessler, Picciano and Wallace are the team captains.

“Aside from leadership, each captain brings something unique to the table,” Foley said. “With Braeden we have constant upbeat energy. She is the type of player who is always right there to hype up her teammates and get everyone excited about playing. Annamarie brings stability. Her court IQ and steadfast demeanor brings consistency and focus to the whole team in tough situations. Hannah is a true competitor. Coming off the softball field and onto the volleyball court, she brings a different mindset to our team. She is high intensity and tough.”

The Patriots have a strong and multifaceted front row. Thompkins, Kessler and Kerce are leading the way for the outside hitters. Middle hitters Katelyn Mitchell and Layah Mills aren’t as seasoned but are finding their game more and more each day according to Foley.

The team’s primary setters are Picciano and Esther Lilly.

Wallace, a junior libero, will help anchor the team’s back row.

“Hannah is an incredibly talented softball player and that skill set of tracking the ball and following when fielding is what I believe makes her play as a libero so effective and efficient,” Foley said. “She is able to read both the hitter and block and adjust. Braeden provides strong passing and defense when in the back row. When Izzy is in the back row, she reads the ball well and is able to track plays.”

Other members of the team include hitters/blockers Brooke Harnisch, Sarah Mitchell and Hailey Greatrex and defensive specialists Sophia Mitchell, Kadence Albery and Hannah Martinez-Franco.

Patriots Football

The Fort Dorchester Football team is out to a 3-3 start after dropping its region opener to Ashley Ridge.

The Patriots began the season with wins over Beaufort, Goose Creek and Stratford but then lost to South Florence, White Knoll and Ashley Ridge. All three losses came on the road.

Fort Dorchester does have some explosive play makers. Quarterback Kevin Johnson has thrown for approximately 700 yards. Ryan Campbell has rushed for more than 700 yards and scored touchdowns as a running back, receiver and kick returner. Malquan Pimentel Jr., Annthony Williams and Mykell Warthen are leading the Patriots receivers and are dangerous in the open field.

“We are getting a team effort,” Fort Dorchester coach Shaun Lorenzano said. “Even the guys who haven’t got in the game give us great looks at practice. It’s nice to have a running back like Ryan Campbell but we have other weapons.”