Fuchs breaks career blocks record

Casey Templeton / contributing photographer Senior middle blocker Kate Fuchs became JMU's all-time career blocks leader last week, surpassing former Dukes standout Debbi Prince (1992-95). Fuchs currently has 459 career blocks.

Sometimes important things happen and people don’t notice — especially in the midst of a heart-wrenching conference loss to the College of William & Mary.

During such a setting, senior middle blocker Kate Fuchs broke the JMU all-time blocks record Oct. 12.

"I think I might’ve been the only one on the court who realized it because we were both on the front line," junior outside hitter Emilee Hussack said.

That included Fuchs’ coach, Disa Garner.

"We never talk about the record," Fuchs said. "Disa hasn’t even mentioned it. We’re all about making the [Colonial Athletic Association tournament]. You just have to know what you have to do and individually do your part. Everyone else has."

In that 3-2 loss to the Tribe, Fuchs picked up six blocks (one solo and five assists) on her way to breaking a record that has stood since 1995.

"It feels really good and exciting," Fuchs said. "When I came here, I just wanted to be the best volleyball player I could be."

Previously held by Debbi Prince (1992-’95), Fuchs broke the old mark of 453 and since has extended the record to 459 after the Dukes defeated Virginia Commonwealth University 3-2 Saturday.

"It definitely helps our team win when someone gets a certain amount of blocks in a game," junior outside hitter Krysta Cannon said. "I believe blocking and defense wins.

"A lot of people get caught up in kills and hitting, but you can’t have all that without the blocking and defense."

Fuchs does not qualify herself as one of those people.

"I like to block," she said. "A lot of people want hits and kills, but I prefer blocking."

The Tribe took three of the last four games during Fuchs’ record-breaking match. JMU forced a game five, taking game four on two straight Tribe attack errors, but couldn’t pull it out in the end. The Dukes dropped game five 15-9.

"It’s definitely bittersweet like that," Hussack said. "I don’t know if it will tarnish it in the future."

Including their most recent match against VCU, the Dukes sit at 14-7, holding even at .500 in the CAA with a record of 4-4. This weekend, JMU faces two more conference opponents in George Mason University Friday and Towson University Saturday. Towson is in first place and 8-1 in the CAA with an overall mark of 17-7.

Going into this weekend, the reality of claiming her very own JMU record still hasn’t completely sunk in.

"I knew when it happened in the William & Mary game," Fuchs said. "After we lost, I was so devastated that I didn’t even care. I know at the end of season, I’ll say, ‘Damn, I set the block records.’ "

But, the end of the season isn’t quite here yet. The Dukes still have six games remaining — all against CAA opponents and, after those, maybe the conference tournament.

"I’m still not happy," Fuchs said. "I’m pissed off because we lost [against William & Mary]. I don’t plan on my season ending on senior night."