Going undefeated at any level of competition is challenging and an accomplishment for those who achieve it. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s junior varsity volleyball program was able to accomplish the feat this season.

Both the varsity and JV teams have been very successful building a winning culture for NSA volleyball.

“It’s been great coaching these girls this year,” JV coach William Sanford said. “They did what we told them to do. Most importantly, they got along together. There were no issues with them. They were a good group.”

The JV Lady Saints completely dominated their opponents.

Varsity volleyball games include up to five sets. Junior varsity competition, though, is a best-of-three situation, and the Lady Saints won nearly all of their games in two sets, giving up just one set all season long.

Sophomores Ellie Provost, Kiran Woods and Maddie Dumaran were among the team’s leaders.

Provost provided solid leadership and leading her team by example. Woods played libero for the team and was a valuable asset on defense. Sanford described Dumaran as the “glue” for the team.

“A lot of the girls we have play volleyball in the offseason,” Sanford said. “They have started playing very early. They come to us very skilled, which continues to elevate our program on both levels.”

The Lady Saints’ JV team won the TCIS Conference in 2012 and 2013 and also went undefeated in 2013.

Although the NSA volleyball program has a culture of winning, Sanford wants his players to look beyond that.

“Our goal is not to go undefeated every year,” he said. “If we have a good year, great, but I want the girls to enjoy the game they love and continue to get better every day. I want them also to meet some neat people and build relationships with their teammates along the way. As long as we are doing that, it’s going to be a successful season, regardless of record.”

Sanford gave credit to assistant coach Anne Fowler for helping coach the team to its 16-0 season. Varsity coach Robyn Ross also gives tips and helps the team when she can.

“I really enjoyed coaching these girls and the help I received from the coaches,” Sanford said. “I very much enjoyed the season. I would put them in different positions, and they would continue to work hard. There wasn’t an ounce of negativity on this team. They never complained, and they went out and played.”