The Randolph-Henry varsity volleyball team encountered some rocky terrain entering the home stretch of the season last week as it dropped a pair of James River District road matches to Amelia (3-0) and Cumberland (3-0).

The Lady Statesmen started strong on Tuesday against Amelia.

Aided by two kills apiece from Cymirra Shuford and Kierra Jones, the team took a 22-17 lead in the opening game but could not come up with the last few points needed and fell 25-23.

Randolph-Henry battled in the second and third games but could never quite get the momentum needed and fell 25-18, 25-17.

The week’s second match at Cumberland was similar to the first, with the Lady Statesmen battling from behind the whole night.

Randolph-Henry fell behind 8-1 early in the first game before matching the Lady Dukes point for point the rest of the way.

They were never able to overcome the opening deficit, though, and Cumberland pulled away for the 25-18 win.

In the second game, the Lady Statesmen continued to compete, thanks in part to five of Jones’ team-high eight kills and two service aces from Elizabeth Devin, but were never able to take the lead in the 25-17 loss. 

Cumberland would go on to win the third game 25-10.

“The team played hard both nights against good competition,” said head coach Shep Critzer.

“We had opportunities to finish in five of the six games and just need to continue to work on our consistency and closing out big points if we want to win those kinds of games.”

Randolph-Henry will host Prince Edward on Thursday in a James River District showdown.