Swamp Foxes are still in the mix
Ashley Ridge co-captain Reece-Bellush
By Roger Lee
Contributing Writer
Summerville – Despite there being new challenges this Fall, the Ashley Ridge Girls Volleyball team is competing and aiming for one of its region’s top playoff seeds.
The Swamp Foxes swept their region last year and advanced to the Lower State Championship match of the playoffs for the first time. However, several talented athletes from that senior-heavy squad, including a pair of All-State players, have moved on.
“Although we are in a rebuilding year with many players having limited playing experience at the varsity level, we are still expecting to have a good season and make a run in the playoffs,” Ashley Ridge coach Leigh-Ann Carter said. “Limiting unforced errors will be the key to our success this season especially when we play teams with more experienced players.”
The Swamp Foxes only returned two starters this season, but jumped out to a 12-5-1 start with a 6-1 mark in region play. In local matches, Ashley Ridge defeated Cane Bay, Fort Dorchester, Berkeley, Stall and James Island while dropping matches to Academic Magnet, Philip Simmons and Summerville. The loss to the Green Wave during a tight match at The Firehouse is the sole region loss.
Ashley Ridge is led by its two senior captains and returning starters Reece Bellush and Alana Braxton. Bellush, who earned All-Region honors last season and has more than 1,000 career assists, is the team’s primary setter and is used as a defensive specialist. Braxton is a middle blocker and outside hitter.
“Reece has a lot of varsity experience,” Carter said. “Her running an effective offense is something we are counting on.”
Senior Alyssa Lohr also brings experience to the front row while junior Libero Cameron Gettings and senior defensive specialist Kaylin Brown bring experience to the back row. Junior outside hitter Trinity Medford is new to the team, but making an impact for the Swamp Foxes up front.
Others in their first season with the varsity team include juniors Rebecca Cantu, Brooke Morganti and Elisa Uggeri and sophomore Marlee Elam.
Up next for the Swamp Foxes are three region rematches. Ashley Ridge hosts Summerville Oct. 7 and travels to James Island Oct. 10 and to West Ashley Oct. 17. All matches are scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
AR Football
On the gridiron, Ashley Ridge is out to a 5-1 start with a 1-0 mark in the region. The Swamp Foxes defeated Berkeley (by forfeit), Cane Bay, Wando, Carolina Forest and Fort Dorchester. Their sole loss came to Oceanside Collegiate Sept. 13.
Ashley Ridge opened region play Oct. 4 with a shootout against Fort Dorchester. The Swamp Foxes pulled out a 48-35 victory to snap a 10-year losing streak to the Patriots, which now hold an 11-4 edge in the series.
“The first region game is always big and when you play what you consider one of the best teams in the region and you win you feel pretty good,” Ashley Ridge coach Jeff Tate said. “I want our kids to enjoy this and understand it’s an accomplishment. Then we have to get back to work and move on to the next game. They have done a pretty good job of that so far and as long as they do I think we will be in the mix.”
Ashley Ridge QB Trevor Kalisz has completed 135 passes this season for more than 1,600 yards and 13 TDs and has four rushing TDs. Running back Jayden Acosta has rushed for just under 900 yards and 11 TDs. Bam Dewesse leads the team’s receivers with 40 receptions for nearly 600 yards and six TDs.
Linebacker Dylan Polansky is AR’s leading tackler with more than 50 stops.
