Karstens Breaks Mason Record in Win Over Central

Sally Karstens had no idea how close she was to breaking the George Mason High School's single-game volleyball record for kills in a game.

Then again, it didn’t matter because the junior middle hitter had set the previous record, but she broke it again with 13 kills against visiting Central Woodstock High (0-8).

The Mustangs (2-2) won three straight sets to win the Bull Run District match.

“Coach (Erik) Healy told me I was two kills away and I just kept playing,” said Karstens, a team co-captain.

Karstens had set the record at 12 earlier this season.

Behind Karstens and senior co-captain Maddie Johnson (eight aces, six kills and 16 assists), the Mustangs hopped all over Central early and fast. Mason was up 11-6 in the first set before Central went on a four-point run. The run was quickly thwarted and Mason went onto win the set 25-18. Healy said his team played well in all areas of the game and he was satisfied with the outcome.

“I go into every game hoping to win like this,” Healy said. “I have high expectations of the team and the team has high goals for themselves.”

With Mason already up two sets, Karstens picked up where she left off with a kill to start the final set. A second kill to put the Mustangs up 3-1 followed that. Karstens didn’t stop there, as she collected her only block of the game in the third set putting Mason up 6-1 prompting more loud roars from the student section.

Karstens said she was happy about the record but more excited about the win. The junior said she hopes the team can continue the momentum as the season goes on.

“I think our whole team played well,” Karstens said. “Volleyball is a team sport.”