Faith Academy volleyball on a winning streak
CAPTION: Freshman Ella Claiborne (20) celebrates scoring a point with the Lady Flames. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Faith Academy of Marble Falls volleyball team is in third place in the District 4-3A standings of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools thanks to winning its last three matches.
The Lady Flames (12-14-2, 3-2) swept San Juan Diego 25-22, 25-19, 25-20 Sept. 26 after outlasting Waco Live Oak 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 15-9 Sept. 19 and San Antonio Lutheran 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 23-25, 15-10 Sept. 17.
Head coach Erin Sawyer attributes the winning streak to several positives.
“We’re feeling more grounded,” she said. “We’re working together and playing smoother and playing hard.”
Lineup changes also may have contributed to the streak. Sophomore Kerrington Silvers is now a hitter playing on the right side, while freshman Ella Claiborne is at middle blocker. Freshman setter Olivia Kraenzel “is more of a front row,” the coach said.
“They’re doing their jobs and working well together,” she said. “They’re working together to do the hard things. It took them awhile to get through the adjustments.”
During the wins, Faith is averaging more than 40 kills a match with a kill percentage of at least 0.143 and digs in the 70s. During the losses, they’ve struggled to get to 30 kills with a kill percentage of under 0.100 and digs that topped 51.
Simply put, the Lady Flames had to have these wins in order to put themselves in position to make the playoffs. The top four teams from the district advance.
They are finishing the first round of district by welcoming San Marcos Academy (0-4) Tuesday, Oct. 1, with the sub varsity playing at 5 p.m. and the varsity at 6 p.m.
The week ends with a road trip to San Antonio Keystone, which beat Faith in three sets, to begin the second round.
Sawyer said it’s a pleasure to watch the Lady Flames perform.
“I’m enjoying them, and they’re enjoying the fruits of their labor,” she said. “I’m hoping it continues that way.”
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