If there was any question as to whether Heritage Christian Academy could compete against KHSAA schools on the volleyball court, the Lady Warriors answered them Monday, taking a five-set win over Christian Fellowship.
The match was the first for HCA against a KHSAA school since gaining approval to join the association last month. The Lady Warriors graduated just one senior from last year’s 10-3 team that saw their season end early due to COVID-19 protocol.
Playing its 2021 home opener before a small but raucous student section, HCA jumped ahead of CFS 12-6. The Lady Eagles, who won the Fourth District and First Region All A region title in 2019, battled back to tie the set four times.
HCA took a 23-21 lead before CFS rattled off the final four points to claim the set.
With the second set tied at 11, HCA maintained control to claim a 25-18 win.
CFS controlled the third set from the start and won 25-14.
HCA wouldn’t go away as they built a 10-point lead in the fourth set before winning 25-17.
In the deciding set, HCA senior Lexie Crisp took control. With the set tied 4-4, Crisp had three kills in a 4-1 run to put HCA up 8-5.
CFS cut the deficit to two points on five occasions before Crisp sealed the win with her sixth kill of the set.
Crisp finished with nine kills and 10 digs for the Lady Warriors, who moved to 6-0 with the win. Mya Goodwin had 13 kills, 13 digs, and 12 assists. Tori Sutton added eight kills and 11 digs, and Bailey Craft had 21 assists and 11 digs.
Bella Peach contributed 17 digs and Sarah Sargeant stepped up with five kills after Elle Heltsley, a 2020 KCAA All-State hitter, turned her ankle on the game’s first point and didn’t return.
HCA was strong in the service game with an 88-percent success rate with 14 aces.
Lillian Burnett was dominant at the net at times for CFS, finishing with 18 kills. The Lady Eagles fell to 1-1.
Heritage Christian Academy is playing a hybrid schedule of KHSAA, KCAA, and other Christian schools. They are not eligible for district play for two seasons under KHSAA rules.
However, they are playing seven matches against KHSAA schools this season.
HCA returns to play Thursday at Clarksville Northwest.
One Response
Way to go, HCA! Wish I could have been there to see your success!
So proud of all of you young ladies!