More News

Entering Thursday's Class 4A girls volleyball state semifinal match against Frederick County's Thomas Johnson, Magruder head coach Scott Zanni felt like his team was clicking on all cylinders. However, that would not be the case at the night's conclusion, in which the Colonels struggled to a 25-14, 25-15, 25-14 loss.

"We played great volleyball [during regionals]," said Magruder head coach Scott Zanni. "We had a really good week of practice. It was the healthiest we have been in probably a month. I think there were some nerves, but I was more surprised that [serving] gave as much trouble as it did."

Despite the loss, the Colonels (22-2 overall, 16-2 non-tournament) had arguably their best season in school history. They captured their first regional title since 2004, won a sixth-straight division title and tied a school record for wins.

Their lone regular-season loss came to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference's undefeated Good Counsel. Magruder also won its own tournament on Sept. 13.

Zanni will have to replace four senior starters: Alison Musser, Andrea Fort, Corri Smoot, and Carly Miller. Reserve Christine Suh will also graduate. Fort, a libero, set a school record for digs in a season with 245.

Smoot also set career and season records for blocks with 140 and 65, respectively. Musser established career and season marks for assists with 1,296 and 588, respectively.

However, the Colonels should remain in the upper echelon of Montgomery County with juniors Brittany Skrutski, Michelle Fowle, Lisa Poole, Kim Lam, Brittany Rasmussen, Courtney Koenig and Victoria Kenno returning along with sophomores Molly Hirrlinger and Xiaoyi Li.