Lynchburg Volleyball takes Top Four Spot for ODAC Tournament.

Written By: Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor

Kevin Cardoza coaching from the sidelines. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.

Lynchburg Volleyball is turning a new page this season after securing fourth place in the ODAC tournament. This enables them to host the quarterfinals in the annual tournament for the first time since 2016. 

This year has also been Kevin Cardoza’s first year as the director of women’s volleyball. He came into the program with 14 years of coaching experience. He has taken leaps and bounds with the Lynchburg Women’s Volleyball team this season.

“I can’t speak highly enough about this team and program. The amount of growth we have seen on and off the court has been incredible. I am beyond grateful for each and every one of them and I can’t express how proud I am of them. The future of this program is so bright and I can’t wait to continue to battle alongside them in our pursuit of an ODAC Championship,” Cardoza said.

Jaina Leek setting the ball. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.

With almost three seasons completed on the program, junior setter Jaina Leek was confident going into the deciding match against Guilford that a win would place the team in the top four. 

“I went into that game having no doubts that my team was going to beat Guilford. We have improved so much over the season and we’re a force to be reckoned with. Beating them felt so amazing to earn the fourth seed and the opportunity to host the quarterfinals, something I never thought would be possible in previous years,” said Leek.

Leah DiNardo talking to her teammates. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.

As her first year on the Lynchburg Volleyball team, middle hitter/blocker Leah DiNardo has appreciated and shared the program’s drive and passion throughout the season.

“The team environment during practices and games is high energy and competitive. However, like every team we have our days, but acknowledge it and strive to make the rest of the game or practice productive. We are always supporting each other on and off the court because we all know it takes 21 of us to win,” said DiNardo.

Hosting the quarterfinals of the ODAC tournament for the first time since 2016 and ending the regular season with the most wins since 2017, the team is excited about their future and highly anticipated appearance at the ODACs.
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