The Grafton girls’ volleyball team and the Heritage boys’ squad both secured regional championships in an exciting day of competition in Williamsburg on October 6, 2025. Grafton continued its remarkable season, defeating rival Jamestown with a decisive 3-0 victory in the Class 4 Region A championship, while Heritage overcame a challenging start to claim the Class 4 East Sectional title against Gloucester.
Grafton entered the championship match with an impressive record, having won 22 consecutive matches and 66 out of 67 sets throughout the season. The Clippers faced their only setback earlier in the season against Jamestown but demonstrated their dominance in the rematch. They triumphed with set scores of 25-12, 25-19, and 25-16. Senior captain Kenzie Smith was instrumental in this victory, delivering an outstanding performance with 21 kills.
Coach David Keeter, who has led Grafton to eight consecutive state finals, praised Smith’s versatility. “In the first half of the season, she stayed in the middle. In the second half, we have been setting her up all over the line because teams were sending two and three players to the middle to counter,” he explained. Smith acknowledged the pressure of her leadership role but expressed confidence in her teammates, stating, “It’s a lot of pressure, but my teammates have my back.”
Freshman Alivia Brackens also contributed significantly to the team’s success, showcasing her skills with 12 digs in a strong defensive performance. Brackens noted the team’s relentless spirit, saying, “We fight really hard. But we’re still hungry.” Her sister, Ana Brackens, a key player for the past two years, recorded nine kills and four blocks, further solidifying the team’s defense.
In addition to Smith and the Brackens sisters, senior Olivia de la Cruz added five kills and 20 assists, while Allyson Burke contributed with 14 digs. Grafton’s cohesive teamwork was evident throughout the tournament, leading them to yet another regional title.
Meanwhile, the Heritage boys’ volleyball team faced a more turbulent path to their championship. After losing the first set against Gloucester, the Hurricanes rallied to win three consecutive sets, securing the title with scores of 26-28, 25-17, 25-22, and 25-23. Marcus Dozier led the charge with 20 kills and 13 digs, while teammate Isaac Ward-Payton delivered an impressive 24 kills.
Coach Nehemiah Carter highlighted the emergence of Tyrell Shelton, who stepped into the setter position this season after previously playing as a middle blocker. “It took all of us committing to the process of trusting what this new system could be,” Carter stated. Shelton’s impressive 42 assists were crucial to the team’s success, demonstrating adaptability and growth.
Heritage’s journey to the championship was marked by inconsistency, as the team started the season with a challenging record of 1-10. However, they rebounded spectacularly, winning 11 of their next 12 matches to secure their place in the finals.
Both Grafton and Heritage have shown remarkable resilience and skill throughout the season, setting the stage for an exciting postseason as they aim for further success in state competitions.
