COURTLAND—Area volleyball teams have already started, and in many cases are off to a good start in the volleyball season. Volleyball teams got set to serve in the last week of August, and the season will run until the last week of October. Playoffs begin in November for the area public schools, and in October for the area private schools.

Southampton High School

First-year Volleyball Head Coach Amy Davis and the Southampton High School Indians began the season 3-0, defeating Surry County, the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School and Brunswick. Davis said that the team was young, but so far they are exceeding expectations.

“I have three returning players that are experienced and are great leaders for the team,” she said. “This being a transition year with a new coach and a young team, I didn’t want to have any setbacks from last season. So far, we are working hard to win games.”

Davis said with leadership from the returners, she had positive expectations for this season.

The Indians next game will be on Thursday, Sept. 11, against Windsor High School. The girls were also in action on Sept. 9 against Colonial Heights. Information was not obtained on this game before deadline.

Franklin High School

Coming off a 5-17 season that was marred by off the court controversy, the Lady Broncos are brand new this year with first-year Head Coach Faith Hewett.

“We are rebuilding from the ground up,” Hewett said. “We have made some growth since tryouts, but we still have a lot of room for growth.”

FHS has started the season off 0-3, losing each game 0-3 to Greensville County, Northampton and Surry County.

Hewett said everyone wants to win, and they will focus on taking some matches, but she said the main goal for the season is improvement.

“Having the girls be educated on volleyball is a big thing for me — we’re not just going through the motions,” she said. “I want them to know what is expected and how to do it properly.”

Hewett, who played high school volleyball at Southampton High School, is excited for the opportunity. She’s a fifth-grade math teacher at S.P. Morton Elementary School.

“I want to give back to the girls of the area,” Hewett said. “I’m just happy to be here for the girls, set a good example and teach them about the sport.”

Franklin is scheduled to play Appomattox Regional Governor’s School today at 7 p.m. on the road.

“Anyone is welcome to come out to our games and support Franklin High School,” she said.

Windsor High School

Windsor High School started off the season 1-1, defeating Sussex Central on Aug. 28 on the road 3-0, and then they lost in Park View 1-3.

The Lady Dukes’ next game will be against Southampton High School on Sept. 11.

Coach Stacey Griffith could not be reached for comment.

Isle of Wight Academy

The Isle of Wight Academy Lady Chargers have started off the season 1-1 as of Sept. 8, losing a road match to Williamsburg Christian on Aug. 26, and defeating Portsmouth Christian on Sept. 4 at home, with both matches going to five sets.

Ninth year Head Coach Jessica Brock said of the 12-person team, 11 are playing regularly and contributing. She has 5 seniors, 6 juniors and 1 sophomore, so they are an older team.

The Lady Chargers’ next match will be on Sept. 11 at Hampton Christian.

Southampton Academy

Southampton Academy started off the season with 5 wins. Head Coach Crystal Butler said, “I am really pleased and excited about the season so far.”

This week, first against Fuqua School on Tuesday and then against Kenston Forest School away on Thursday, Butler said the Lady Raiders would start facing tougher opponents, which would help give her a better gauge for where they are. SA defeated Fuqua 3-2.

Coming into the season with only three returning players, Butler had expected this to be more of a rebuilding year.

Many of the new players are not new to volleyball, though, and some had played for the Lady Raiders before but took time off for other sports or other reasons. Many have been participating in volleyball camps this summer and are coming in with good skills. So, Butler said that despite having a relatively new team, she does expect them to be good overall. The Lady Raiders have 12 on the roster, and Butler said that’s the most she has ever had.

Tidewater Academy

As of Sept. 5, Tidewater Academy is 2-2. Head Coach Jimmy Dunn said the team is young, but they have potential.

“I feel like you will see us improve as the season goes on,” Dunn said.

The Lady Warriors started off the season 0-2, losing to Stonebridge and Amelia in straight sets, 0-3. Then they picked up two wins, first against Blessed-Sacrament Huguenot at home 3-1 and then against Brunswick Academy on the road 3-2.

Though Tidewater Academy has three returning athletes, Dunn added that they are low on total players.

TA will next play Fuqua School at home on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m..

Contributing Writer Frank Davis added to this report.