Hillsboro Christian Academy Varsity Volleyball team took first place in the HCA Crusader Classic. The six team double elimination tournament was played on Sat. October 21st.
The tournament started at 9 AM with the HCA Crusaders defeating Emmanuel Baptist 2-0. The Crusaders then advanced to face Calvary Academy and defeated them 2-0.
That set HCA up to face undefeated Cozaddale Baptist in a semi-final match, the Crusaders were victorious in that match 2-0 handing Cozaddale their first loss of the season. Cozaddale battled back through the losers bracket to once again face HCA.
The first Championship match did not go well for HCA, struggling through two sets, losing both.This loss set up a second championship game since this was HCA’s first loss of the day.
In the deciding match neither team disappointed in what turned out to be an action packed three set match. Cozaddale took set one, 25-21. With their backs against the wall the Crusaders battled back to win the second set 25 – 19. The third set was as action packed and thrilling as they come, there were 12 ties and 7 lead changes. With the game tied at 20, Freshmen Lizzy Pierce stepped to the back to serve, with several crucial saves by Senior Rachel Tracy and Junior Olivia Hainline the Crusaders had a 24-20 lead when Pierce’s serve was broken. Cozaddale served trailing 24-21, after a long rally and some big saves, Junior Hope Wyckoff set Freshmen Tara Burns for the game-winning kill, 25-21.
Rachel Tracy and Tara Burns were named to the All-Tournament Team and Hope Wyckoff was selected as the Tournament MVP.
After the game Head Coach Tyler Rhodes stated, “Our girls really fought back tonight, they really could have given up and quit after losing 3 sets in a row, but they got the momentum and never gave it back. This was a full team effort; we had a lot of girls step up and play some of the best volleyball of their lives today.”
The tournament lasted 12 hours and had a great turnout, and the games were thrilling all day, and the night cap was the most thrilling of all.
“Neither team deserved to lose that game, both teams left it all on the floor and played an absolutely incredible match. I am just thrilled for our girls, they have worked so hard this season, and this was their goal from day one,” Rhodes said.
The Crusaders are currently 14-5 with three games remaining. HCA will host RCCA on 10/24 for Senior Night, and wrap up their season on the road at Cozaddale on 10/30.
Results:
1st – Hillsboro Christian
2nd – Cozaddale Baptist
3rd – Wilmington Eagles
4th – Calvary Academy
5th – Germantown Christian
6th – Emmanuel Baptist
Winners Bracket
1st Round
HCA 2 – 0 Emmanuel Baptist
Cozaddale Baptist 2 – 0 Wilmington Eagles
2nd Round
HCA 2 – 0 Calvary Academy
Cozaddale Baptist 2 – 0 Germantown Christian
Semi-Final
HCA 2 – 0 Cozaddale
Losers Bracket
1st Round
Wilmington 2 – 1 Emmanuel
Calvary 2 – 1 Germantown
2nd Round
Wilmington 2 – 1 Calvary
Semi-Final
Cozaddale 2 – 0 Wilmington
Championships
1 – Cozaddale 2 – 0 HCA
2 – HCA 2 – 1 Cozaddale
All-Tournament Team:
MVP – Hope Wyckoff – HCA
Tara Burns – HCA
Rachel Tracy HCA
Jenna Wilson – Cozaddale
Kathleen Barr – Cozaddale
Kyle Eikenberry – Wilmington
Cassie Trirppel – Calvary
Norah Wills – Germantown
Lilly Day – Emmanuel
Tyler Rhodes is the volleyball coach at Hillsboro Christian Academy.
