After struggling to cobble together a mixed record last year, the arrival of Abby Koppisch has proven to be the Battlefield High School Freshman volleyball team’s secret weapon against an onslaught of worthy opponents this season. And its easy to see why. With an average of 3 digs per set, a high serve/receive percentage and a versatile serve that has opponents across Prince William County scrambling to respond, the starting libero from Gainesville has shut down the offense of nearly every team in the Bobcats’ path.
Due in no small part to Koppisch’s leadership in the back row, the Bobcats have allowed only three set losses out of a total of 35 so far this year including shutout victories at both the Loudoun Valley and the Langley Dig Pink Tournaments.
One of the keys to the Bobcats’ success this season has been Koppisch’s unshakeable serve/receive skill which has relentlessly shut down each opponent’s serve in nearly every set. Without an effective offense, the Bobcats’ opponents have been rendered vulnerable to their attack.
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With only three matches left, the Freshman Bobcats have racked up an impressive 16-1 record with their only loss (1-2) to their rival the Patriot High School Pioneers. The Bobcats will host Patriot in a rematch on October 21st. A Battlefield win on their home court will force a runoff with Patriot for the 2014 Division title.
“We’re confident about the outcome this time around”, says Koppisch. “The Pioneers caught us by surprise in the first match with some strong serving and attack plays but we’ve been adjusting and perfecting our defense in anticipation.”