The Nelson County volleyball team faced a two-set deficit in Lynchburg against Heritage on Thursday night, and mounted a fierce rally to grab a big early season victory in non-district play, 3-2.
It was the first win of the year for the Lady Govs, whose brand new head coach Alex Belako celebrated his first career win since taking over the team. He served as an assistant under Grace Blanks last season.
Nelson County's comeback secured it a win over the Pioneers in Lynchburg for a fifth straight season dating back to 2022.
PHOTO GALLERY: Nelson County comes back to topple Heritage in Lynchburg
The Nelson County High School volleyball team celebrates beating Heritage High School in Lynchburg, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
The Lady Govs (1-1) fell in their season opener at Buffalo Gap on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in three sets. They had a home game against Parry McCluer this past Tuesday, Sept. 1, canceled, leaving them more than a week between games.Â
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They shook off the rust in a big way to nail down the reverse sweep over Heritage (0-3).
After the Labor Day weekend, the Lady Govs return to action on the road at Parry McCluer on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Five days later, on Monday, Sept. 14, Heritage will get a chance at revenge in Lovingston.Â
That will be the final contest before Nelson County dives into Dogwood District play against the perennial standard of the league, Appomattox County.
The Lady Raiders (4-0) are off to another roaring start under first-year coach Heath Drinkard, the son of former head coach Mark Drinkard, who died unexpectedly this summer. Mark Drinkard had planned to retire and pass the program down to his son, who served as his father's assistant.
Nelson County will try to piece together the early parts of a winning streak in Buena Vista against the Fighting Blues on Wednesday. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
