No. 7 Richard Montgomery at Bethesda-Chevy Chase: Rockets Eye Another Title Run
Richard Montgomery volleyball has been the class of Montgomery County in recent years, and this season is no exception. The Rockets are 15-1-1 and have already secured their fourth consecutive division championship. But the ultimate goal is even bigger: winning their third state title in four years. Bethesda-Chevy Chase has rebounded from a down year under first-year head coach Evan O’Neill. The Barons have county championship aspirations of their own, but they know the road to the title likely runs through Richard Montgomery.
O’Neill has already made a significant impact, leading B-CC to a 7-4 record and more wins than the program had all of last season. Junior captain and libero/defensive specialist Emma Karver has played a major role in the Barons’ success, leading the team in aces per set and recording 123 digs. Fellow junior captain and outside hitter Claire Tepper has contributed 185 kills and 24 service aces. B-CC will need big performances from both juniors if the Barons hope to pull off the upset.
Gretchen Barber-Strunk has led the Richard Montgomery girls’ and boys’ volleyball programs for the past 13 years. State championships in 2023 and 2024 have established a championship standard, and this year’s Rockets have responded to the challenge. Junior outside hitter Katie Mitchell has been outstanding, accounting for 42% of the team’s kills with 222. Fellow captain and senior libero Ana Djordjevic has anchored the back row with 151 digs and 277 receptions, leading the team in both categories. Senior middle blocker Kinsley Flores leads the Rockets in blocks, while talented junior setter Ellyn Kim leads the team with 242 assists and 35 service aces.
With the postseason approaching, Richard Montgomery is hitting its stride. The Rockets have won five straight matches without dropping a set, sending a clear message to the rest of the county. The quest for another state championship is officially heating up, and the Rockets are ready for takeoff.
