Friday, August 27, 2010
Demon setter enjoys 'quarterback' role
At 5-foot-9, senior Ashton Moran of Christiansburg is tall for a setter -- but she wouldn't have it any other way.
MATT GENTRY The Roanoke Times
Christiansburg High School senior Ashton Moran (left) sets the ball for her teammates as coach Brian Smith watches during practice. Coming off the school's first-ever region appearance, Moran leads five seniors hoping to get further this season in the tough River Ridge District.
MATT GENTRY The Roanoke Times
Ashton Moran (left) sets the ball for her teammates during practice. "She does all the things you want as a setter, she can set the ball anywhere on the court," says coach Brian Smith.
| Chuck Altizer
Special to The Roanoke Times
Standing at 5-foot-9, Christiansburg's Ashton Moran is a bit taller than most high school setters.
But the senior know it's where she belongs.
"I have always loved being a setter since I started playing volleyball in the seventh grade," Moran said.
"It is kind of like being the quarterback on the volleyball court: You have to make the tough the decisions on where, how and when you get the ball to someone in the best position to make a play."
Now, in her final season of volleyball for the Demons, Moran hopes to lead the team to great heights.
Coming off the school's first-ever region appearance, Moran leads five seniors hoping to get further this season in the tough River Ridge District.
"We have a good team and want to prove that last year wasn't just a one-year thing," she said.
"I feel like we have the experience and we know what to expect to get to that level as a team."
Coach Brian Smith knows it helps having a talent like Moran in the middle.
"She does all the things you want as a setter, she can set the ball anywhere on the court," he said.
"Plus, she is a good blocker, a good server, and she has very nice hands -- a total package on the volleyball court."
Her teammates are grateful for the luxury of her sets.
"It is definitely handy for someone to get you the ball where you want it," senior hitter and co-captain Emily Quesinberry said.
"It makes your job easier when someone gets you the ball; she always has a great attitude and wants to work on getting the ball where I like it."
Moran is currently getting some Division 1 looks in recruiting.
But while her tall frame is an asset on the high school level, the top levels are looking for someone a bit taller for defense in the middle.
That doesn't stop her coach from thinking she is one of the best in the state.
"Obviously, I haven't seen them all but to me she is such a phenomenal setter," Smith said.
"I base my opinion on the River Ridge District and we have some of the best teams in the state in this district, so I have to think she must be up there."
It is that tough River Ridge District that could keep Christiansburg from getting further than they got last season.
But even if another regional berth isn't in their future Moran knows the season will be successful.
"We want to make it further than we did last year, that is obviously the goal," she said. "Overall thought, we just want to work hard do the best we can and have fun -- enjoy our senior year of volleyball."
