Faith Academy volleyball is 3rd at own tournament
CAPTION: Faith Academy’s Natalie Weems scores a point for the Lady Flames. Photo by Stennis Shotts
The Faith Academy of Marble Falls volleyball team finished third at its own tournament Aug. 20 where the Lady Flames battled more than the opponent in The Fire Pit.
The Lady Flames beat Providence and lost to Austin St. Dominic Savio and Founders Classical.
The HVAC system went out, forcing tournament officials to use fans they set up in the four corners of the gymnasium.
“This is the reason why I play indoor sports,” head coach Erin Sawyer said. “The girls don’t know how tough they really are.”
She commended her players for focusing on the opponent, not the warm temperatures inside.
“It’s not about the wins,” she said. “We needed to do a lot of playing. We had some really good stretches.”
One key change was moving junior Hadley Shipley to setter with freshman Ella Chavira.
“I think I found my ultimate go-to,” the coach said. “We’re trying to perfect that.”
The main advantage to the Lady Flames running a 6-2 is that it gives them three hitters in the front row on every rotation, Sawyer said.
“Hadley understands because she is a hitter,” she said. “She’s ultra talented and has great hands. She’s a hitter, so she knows what she wants and how she wants it. She’s strong on defense as well. She supports the team. She has a willingness to step out for her teammates.”
The coach said Chavira has been doing well and has other aspirations as a Lady Flame.
“I can’t wait to see her really flourish,” Sawyer said. “The reps will be excellent for her. Her goal is to play in college. We’re trying to help her accomplish her goals.”
Faith welcomes Bulverde Gloria Deo Tuesday, Aug. 22, with the junior varsity playing at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity at 6:30 p.m. The Lady Flames travel to play at Fredericksburg Heritage Thursday, Aug. 24, with the junior varsity taking the court at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity at 6:30 p.m. and ends the week at The Tourney in Boerne Friday and Saturday, Aug. 25-26.
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