This story is part of The Washington Sun’s All-DMV coverage. All-DMV is a new collaboration between The Sun, Fox 5 DC, NBC4 Washington and WTOP News, aimed at covering the D.C. area’s best high school athletes. You can find past players of the week and more information about All-DMV here.
This week’s set of standouts prove that anyone can make a difference on the volleyball court, no matter their position. Here are three locals who got the job done for their teams in a busy Week 8:
Mia Cheng, Senior, Libero, Clarksburg
Cheng, a three-year starter, is the engine driving the Coyotes through another strong regular season. Last week, her steady defensive play at libero helped Clarksburg beat Churchill and Poolesville, two of the best offensive teams in Montgomery County.
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The wins helped coach Dawn Dickinson’s team clinch its division for the fourth year in a row. With just four games left in the regular season, Cheng and the Coyotes are well positioned to make a run out of the Maryland 4A West region. They also have a shot to make the county championship game in a few weeks.
“She totally takes control of the back row and the defense,” Dickinson said. “She’s just really stepped up and taken it upon herself to help the other players.”
Ayla Sayd, Senior, Outside Hitter, Marshall
Sayd produced an eye-popping stat line last week against Langley. In a back-and-forth, five-set slugfest on the road, Sayd tallied a season-high 33 kills in a victory. Her final two kills were the most important — with the Statesmen holding a slim 13-12 lead in the fifth set, Sayd’s 32nd and 33rd kills put the match away.
The victory avenged a 3-1 loss to the Saxons in late September. Sayd, an Elon commit, has finished with double-digit kills in every match she’s played this season and is up to 348 putaways on the year.
Jadyn Witt, Senior, Setter, Douglass
Before Douglass kicked off its volleyball campaign, Witt approached coach Tai Heath to request a position change. Her sophomore year, she played outside hitter for the Eagles. Last year, she transitioned to libero. This year, she wanted to try out the setter position.
“She’s very even-keeled, so I didn’t even question it,” Heath said. “If she wants to try setting she’s going to be perfectly fine. … I trust her.”
Heath’s trust in Witt has paid off for Douglass, which boasts an undefeated record. Her passing ability has helped the Eagles become one of the most dangerous offenses in Prince George’s County — Heath’s team has dropped just one set so far this season. In a recent bout against College Park Academy, Witt posted six assists, seven aces, five digs and three kills in a dominant three-set sweep.
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