Faith Academy volleyball looks to regroup for second round
CAPTION: Faith Academy senior Brooke Farmer passes the ball to a setter to get the offense going. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Faith Academy of Marble Falls volleyball team lost to Waco Live Oak Classical 25-18, 12-25, 19-25, 17-25 Sept. 21.
The Lady Flames (2-4 District 3-3A of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) had won two consecutive matches prior to traveling to Waco.
“It’s the best we’ve ever played,” head coach Erin Sawyer said. “It’s probably why we were so bummed. Everyone was playing really hard. I like the position changes I made.”
That includes juniors Abigail Blackington and Hadley Shipley as the setters and junior Jillian Martin as an outside hitter instead of as the libero.
“I think they stepped in and are doing a great job,” the coach said. “Abigail has a background in setting; Hadley had never done it. I think she’s doing a great job. I think those position changes are great. Moving Jillian outside is the added factor. Having Jillian all the way around gives us the encouragement we need.”
Live Oak fans came out to cheer on their team, which advanced to the playoffs as the fourth seed out of the district last year. Faith Academy was fifth. Live Oak understood the importance of winning at home and the program made sure it had a home-court advantage.
“It was their homecoming,” Sawyer said.
Senior Brooke Farmer led with seven kills, while senior Kaytlyn Wood had four. Martin, Shipley and sophomore Natalie Weems each had three. Weems had seven blocks, while Shipley and Blackington each had one. Wood had 17 digs, while Blackington and Shipley each had 11. Blackington had 9 assists and Shipley had 8.
Sawyer was looking forward to the rematch.
“I’m proud of my girls,” she said. “They have to come here. Playing at home gives juice to my girls. It’s the last match on the 12th of October.”
The Lady Flames begin the second round of district play at Round Rock Christian at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. The junior varsity plays at 5 p.m.
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